Identification | Biology | Damage ID | Management | Resources

Overview of Damage Prevention and Control Methods

Habitat Modification

• Fencing (woven wire or poultry netting)
• Electric fence
• Tree trunk guards

Exclusion

Frightening

Dogs can be chained along boundaries of crop fields or near gardens to deter jackrabbits. 

Repellents

Since state pesticide registrations vary, check with your local Cooperative Extension or USDA-APHIS-ADC office for information on repellents legal in your area.

Various chemical repellents are offered as a means of reducing or preventing hare damage to trees, vines, or farm and garden crops. Repellents make protected plants distasteful to jack-rabbits. A satisfactory repellent must also be non-injurious to plants.

Toxicants

Since state pesticide registrations vary, check with your local Cooperative Extension or USDA-APHIS-ADC office for information on toxicants legal in your area. Be sure to read the entire label. Use strictly in accordance with precautionary statements and directions. State and federal regulations also apply.

Shooting

Where safe and legal to do so, shooting jackrabbits may suppress or eliminate damage. Effective control may be achieved using a spotlight and a shooter in the open bed of a pickup truck. Driving around borders of crop fields or within damaged range areas and carefully shooting jackrabbits can remove a high percentage of the population. Some states require permits to shoot from vehicles or to use spot- lights. 

In some states sport hunting of jackrabbits can be encouraged and may keep populations below problem levels. 

Trapping

• Cage traps
• Body gripping traps
• Leghold traps