Rabbits, Deer, and Woodchucks - and the Yard & Garden Plants They Eat

Jim Moore • June 5, 2019

And how to stop them from doing it!

Bench in a large yard

Rabbits, Deer, and Woodchucks and the Lawn & Garden Plants They Eat


If you have a garden, you know that certain animals can certainly wreak havoc, destroying all of your hard work in a matter of minutes. Rabbits, deer, and woodchucks, while they might be cute to look at in a zoo, or in a natural habitat or park, are not as cute when they are enjoying your plants for dinner. So what plants make for the marauder smorgasbord?


Those crazy rabbits…


Rabbits in particular love much more than carrots. Those annuals that you lovingly select every year from your local gardener and then painstakingly plant in your garden, are often a favorite for these furry little fiends. In particular, impatiens, morning glories, pansies, petunias, snapdragons, sunflowers, sweet peas, and zinnas are a popular treat. Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop there. Rabbits also love perennial bulbs and other flowers such as aster, baby’s breath, black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, daylilies, hostas, irises, daisies, oriental poppies, tulips, and the list goes on. Sadly, shrubs too are simply the icing on the cake, and when rabbits feed excessively on your shrubs, those shrubs might not be able to recover. Since rabbits also love fruits, and if you plan to plant fruit or any of the items mentioned above, you will need to take steps to keep the rabbits out.

Deer aren’t always so dear…

Similar to rabbits, deer also find gardens to be a tasty treat. While deer are a bit more selective, they too like hostas and daylilies, as well as roses, and aren’t deterred by thorns from rosebushes. The following plants also make the list:


  • Rhododendrons
  • Azaleas
  • Indian hawthorn
  • Japanese pittosporum
  • Pansies and violas
  • Euonymus
  • Japanese aucuba
  • Blueberry
  • Japanese yew
  • Tulips
  • American arborvitae

How much wood can a wood-chuck chuck?


Woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, can be especially destructive as they are great at both digging and climbing, which means that they can often get around any structure that you put into place to keep them out. And, they don’t seem to fall for traps all that often. Further, if you catch a woodchuck, you need to check your local ordinance to see if you can release that woodchuck anywhere but on your own property, or you may be subject to a fine. The good news is that while woodchucks are vegetarians, they don’t have quite the voracious appetite as their friends the rabbit or the deer. Woodchucks tend to focus on green leafy vegetables and soft fruits, along with peas, beans, corn, clover, and alfalfa.


How to repel and keep animals out of your garden


If you still want to tend to a garden that hosts a variety of plants that are delectable for these critters, then it is important to look into options to keep them away. Follow these steps to best prevent future destruction.


  1. Add garden fencing around your planting area
  2. Plant shrubs that are more often to attract deer, closer to your home, as deer tend to be timid and are less likely to approach your house
  3. Maintain your garden and keep it trimmed and tended – a dense garden makes a more comfortable place for animals to approach and bed down
  4. Use a non-harming trap to catch animals, and then relocate them to an area far away
  5. Use an ultrasonic device that mimics the sound of predators
  6. Mount a scarecrow, owl, or tinsel pole in the garden, and lay fake snakes along the dirt, to scare these barbarians away
  7. Sprinkle some human hair around the garden area (this may help deter the woodchucks who don’t generally like people)
  8. Spray with an environmentally friendly rabbit repellent
  9. Sprinkle ground red pepper on your plants


Protect Your Yard with Critter-Repellent.com Products

Critter Repellent All Natural Animal Repellent Blog

Rabbit
April 25, 2025
As spring rolls in, so does the uptick in rabbit activity. Breeding season, increased feeding, and yard destruction are all part of the spring rabbit surge. Learn how to safeguard your lawn and garden with natural solutions.
Pest activity
March 19, 2025
Learn how to prepare your home for the seasonal surge in pests and keep them from invading your space.
Mouse
February 20, 2025
Mouse infestations can lead to significant health risks and property damage. Learn about common mistakes in mouse control and discover updated strategies for effectively preventing and eliminating these pests from your home.
By Teri Silver February 6, 2025
The last thing you want to see running around your house is a mouse. And where there is one, there are more. Whether it’s mice, ants, spiders, squirrels, or any other type of rodent, bird, or insect infestation, ignoring those critters can get very expensive in the long run. When it comes to remediating or protecting your home from infestations, the cost of doing nothing can lead to a big dent in your wallet. Keeping house pests at bay is important, especially if you’re planning to put the home on the sales market. How much does it cost to keep the house and property pest-free? That depends on where you live, what types of services needed, and how often the home is treated. But one thing is for sure, it’s easier (and more cost-effective) to prevent house damage than to fix everything after critters have chewed up wires, plumbing, foundation, and the yard. Potential Structural Damage Squirrels, moles, voles, rats, and mice are part of nature, but the damage that even one of these critters can do to a home can run into thousands of dollars. With sharp teeth that never stop growing, squirrels and rodents must “file down” their chompers so they don’t interfere with eating and drinking. Thus, a squirrel’s chewing habits can damage house support beams, siding, and anything else that holds the structure up. The costs to repair the building depend on the severity of the damage. Birds’ nests and clogged gutters are signs that unwanted critters are in the building’s drainage system. Replacing damaged gutters can cost several thousand dollars—to start. On average, it’ll cost between $1,600 and $5,200 (depending on size, materials, and labor costs). Wiring and Insulation Chewed-up electrical wiring is not only a hassle but it can be very dangerous. Mice, rats, squirrels, and other critters will gnaw through wires, not knowing that they can electrocute themselves but worse — start a house fire. Homeowners won’t necessarily see exposed wires around the house. Examining the house structure and wiring allows owners to know what to budget for. Pests and vermin living in the attic may tear up insulation to use for nesting materials. Depending on the size of the house, insulation costs can be anywhere from $1,600 to $8,000 on average. Termites When it comes to destructive insects, termites are at the top of the list. These icky little bugs chew through wood almost as quickly as a cartoon buzzsaw. And the worst thing? In general, homeowners’ insurance does NOT cover termite damage. Signs of termite infestation and damage include: Chewed up or hollow wood Blisters or buckling in the flooring Discarded termite wings Bubbling paint Strips of mud tubes along crevices Damaged support beams Tapping sounds in the walls The cost of repairing termite damage can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars—or more, depending on what part of the house is torn up and what needs to be done. Preventing termites in the yard and hiring a professional exterminator are two ways of keeping these hungry critters away from your home. Pest Entry Points Cracks and crevices are easy access points for mice, insects, wasps, and other pests. Unscreened vents and windows, loose shingles and siding, and chimney gaps are entry points for bugs and mice. Not having trees and shrubs around the perimeter of the house won’t prevent squirrels and mice from coming onto your property, but keeping greenery away from the structure would deter critters from having direct access to it. Perceived Value Whether your house is currently for sale or it’s a plan for the future, having pests and vermin roaming around the property can keep the buyers away. Among the financial considerations, house-hunting taps the emotions of the would-be buyer. No matter what the item is, perceived value is a customer’s view of whether it is worth the money. An infested home has lost its marketing value, especially if a mouse runs across the floor during the negotiating stage. The cost of doing nothing when you should be doing something can lead to a huge repair bill and maybe even a home improvement loan or second mortgage on your house. Ignoring the problems won’t make them go away. If wildlife and insects are damaging your home, do something about it sooner than later.
Pest-Proof Insulation
January 18, 2025
Pest-proof insulation is a game-changing solution for homeowners looking to prevent unwanted intrusions and lower energy costs. Learn how this innovative product protects your property from pests while boosting energy efficiency.
Home Maintenance
January 9, 2025
Proper home and business maintenance is the first step in preventing pest infestations. Learn how regular upkeep, repairs, and preventive measures can keep pests out and ensure your property remains safe, clean, and pest-free.
Green Pest Control
December 10, 2024
Discover the latest eco-friendly technologies and treatments revolutionizing pest control. From organic solutions to advanced traps, learn how innovative methods reduce pest problems while prioritizing environmental health.
Pest Control Issues
November 27, 2024
Apartment buildings are especially vulnerable to pest infestations due to shared spaces and frequent tenant turnover. Learn about the top pest issues in apartment complexes and how management can implement preventative measures to keep them under control.
Pest Invasion
November 25, 2024
Unseasonably warm weather drives pests like rodents, insects, and other invaders into homes earlier than expected. Learn how the changing climate affects pest behavior and discover effective ways to protect your home from infestations.
Woodchuck
October 21, 2024
Woodchucks, known as groundhogs, can destroy gardens and yards. Learn about their habits, diet, and the most effective methods for keeping them off your property to protect your landscape.
More Posts