Rabbits are beautiful creatures, and in order to keep your yard free of them, you need to learn more about them.
Rabbits are one of the species of mammals that stays active during colder months, as opposed to hibernating. We see plenty of them, especially around the Kingsville and greater Baltimore County area! Yet, despite their abundance, we still seem to know very little about these furry creatures. Among misconceptions, there are also facts which are worth learning. Rabbits are beautiful creatures, and in order to keep your yard free of them, you need to learn more about them.
Superpowers
Rabbits are incredibly talented animals! They have a panoramic visual field which allows them to see predators from almost anywhere aside from a blind spot in front of their nose. They can jump up to one meter high and three meters long, depending on conditions. They’re also very smart! Rabbits can actually be trained by humans, which is surprising for a mammal so small. With their superior senses, rabbits are almost like the superheroes of the woods.
Complicated Animals
Because rabbits have such a small size, many people think they’ll make easy pets. This is not the case! Rabbits require a lot of work, as they are particular and fussy animals. First, they are social animals, and should always be kept in pairs. But also, they require a strict and healthy diet that often ends up being rather expensive. Ideally, the perfect sized rabbit enclosure would be the size of an entire bedroom!
Active in Winter
Rabbits keep themselves occupied during the Winter through foraging and hunting. Since it’s cold and therefore more barren, they must spend more time doing this than they do in warmer months. They must be mentally active, or they will become depressed; even in the wild, rabbits go on the hunt for toys, like twigs, that they can play with.
Potential Damage Caused by Rabbits to Residential Properties
Landscaping and Garden Damage
Potential Damage Caused by Rabbits to Residential Properties
Rabbits can devastate landscaping and gardens, particularly in areas where plants and vegetables grow close to the ground. They feed on tender shoots, leaves, and flowering plants, which can lead to severe losses for homeowners who maintain vegetable gardens or ornamental plants. Rabbits’ appetites can significantly reduce crop yields and leave flower beds barren. Additionally, they often consume plants in a way that causes lasting damage, inhibiting future growth.
Tree and Shrub Destruction
During colder months, rabbits often target young trees and shrubs. They gnaw on the bark, which can girdle and ultimately kill the plant. This damage is most concerning for newly planted trees, which are more susceptible to stress. Mature trees are not immune but tend to recover more easily. Still, repeated exposure to rabbit feeding can weaken even well-established trees and shrubs over time.
Structural Damage
Rabbits are known to burrow in residential yards, creating holes that can be problematic. These holes not only ruin the appearance of a lawn but can also pose safety hazards, particularly for children and pets. Furthermore, digging near foundations, patios, or driveways may contribute to erosion issues or damage underground utility lines. Rabbits may also target wooden structures, such as decks or sheds, by chewing on exposed wood to keep their teeth trimmed.
Impact on Lawns and Ground Cover
Rabbits often graze on lawns, leaving behind patches of short, chewed grass that may struggle to regrow. They tend to return to the same feeding areas repeatedly, which can lead to extensive damage. Ground covers, especially clover or other low-lying plants, are also susceptible, leaving homeowners with bare spots that can become overrun with weeds.
Shumaker’s Animal Control can help safely and humanely remove rabbits from your yard!
Call Shumaker Animal Control today. Shumaker Animal Control is a twenty-five-year veteran of the animal and pest control profession. We are the Kingsville rodent control experts and can help you return your house to a cozy pest-free home. If you have any questions about raccoon removal or other rodent control, contact Shumaker Animal Control by calling (443) 854-8072 or click heretoday! You can also follow us at our Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.
