Modify the Habitat

Remove brush piles, tall grass, and dense ground cover near your garden to eliminate the shelter that rabbits, groundhogs, and other pests rely on. Keep the lawn mowed short and clear debris from around garden edges. An open, exposed area around the garden makes animals feel vulnerable to predators and less likely to linger.

Why It Works

Small mammals like rabbits and groundhogs need nearby cover for safety. By removing hiding spots within 20-30 feet of the garden, you increase their perceived predation risk. Animals will prefer to forage in areas where escape cover is close at hand rather than cross open ground.

Tips

• Mow grass and clear vegetation in a wide border around the garden perimeter
• Remove wood piles, rock piles, and dense shrubs that serve as nesting sites
• Trim low-hanging branches that provide overhead cover for small mammals
• Combine habitat modification with fencing or repellents for a layered defense
• Balance pest management with your landscape goals -- not all cover needs to be removed