Rabbits
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Rabbits
 Rabbits are burrowing creatures that live in tunnels excavated in hedge banks, under houses, sheds, or other similar locations. They feed at night or early in the morning, or late in the afternoon on a wide range of plants. A rabbit can eat 1lb.(0.5kg) of vegetation per day so a large population can cause extensive damage.Susceptible Plants- Rabbits consume a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and grasses. Symptoms- Rabbits graze on young shoots. Plants can be eaten to ground level and stripped from trees. Most damage is done in spring and early summer. Prevention and Control- If rabbit numbers are high a rabbit-proof fence should be erected around important plants. Use a mesh size of 1-1 1/4in(2.5-3cm). The fence should be 3-4ft(1-1.5m) high with a further 1ft.(30cm) buried below ground level and angled outward. It should be well supported by posts and straining wires. The fence should be inspected regularly for holes. If the local rabbit population is small protect individual plants with netting or tree protectors. Surrounding plants with spiky plant clippings will also deter grazing rabbits. Electric fencing may also be used. Some plants are said to be less attractive to rabbits.
Most deer repellents are also effective against rabbits. Some gardeners report that used cat-box filler sprinkled on the lawn around ornamentals defers rabbits. This method is only effective for only about one week so the process needs to be repeated regularly. Removal includes live trapping and relocation or shooting. In urban and suburban areas live trapping is as successful as, and less dangerous than firearms use. You can buy commercial live traps at garden center and hardware stores. If you wish to make your own, county extension agents can supply plans for a very effective homemade wooden box trap. For live-trapping, use shelled corn, sliced apples, or parsnips as bait. If the traps are of wire mesh construction, a small blanket or burlap bag may be draped over the rear half of the trap. This will make the trap more acceptable to the rabbit and will help reduce the number of rabbits that die from exposure.
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