Publication 360, Fruit Production Recommendations: Controlling rabbits


Excerpt from Publication 360, Fruit Production Recommendations, 2010-11
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Cover of Publication 360, Fruit Production RecommendationsTable of Contents

  1. Wrapping young trees
  2. Repellents
  3. Repairing damage by mice and rabbits
  4. Other topics in Other Pests and Disorders
  5. Chapter 9 - Other Pests and Disorders - PDF 240 kb
  6. Related Links

 

Controlling rabbits

Wrapping young trees

Wrap sacking around the top and the trunk above the mouse guard to protect young trees from rabbits. Tie the wrapped tree securely to a strong stake or steel fence post to prevent snow and ice breaking the tree over. Mouse guards generally do not give protection against rabbits when the snow is deep.

Repellents

Rabbits do not like to feed on the trunks of young trees if the trees have been treated with thiram. There are a number of commercial mixtures available, some of which mix white latex paint with thiram. Be sure to treat the tree as high as rabbits can reach when they stand on deep snow.

For more information about the application of paint with thiram, refer to Control of Southwest Injury on Fruit Trees,.

Repairing damage by mice and rabbits

Carry out regular inspection throughout the winter to check for injury. Mice often work just below the surface of the snow or in the litter. If a tree has been wholly or partially girdled, cover the wound with grafting compound or wound dressing promptly or before it dries out.

Before the buds swell in the early spring, secure scions that are long enough to bridge the wound. For more details, see OMAFRA Factsheet, Repair Grafting, Order No. 98-003. Store scions in damp sand or sawdust in a cool place or preferably, refrigerated conditions. If the wound extends for more than one quarter of the circumference of the trunk, bridge graft in the manner described in Repair Grafting. Graft when the bark slips readily from the wood, usually about bloom. Repair grafting is not practical on trees with a diameter less than 10 cm. Instead, replace small trees.

For more information on all aspects of deer and rodent control, see OMAFRA Factsheet, Rodent and Deer Control in Orchards, Order No. 98-023.


For more information:
Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300
Local: (519) 826-4047
E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca
Author: OMAFRA Staff
Creation Date: 25 June 2007
Last Reviewed: 15 July 2010