How to Get Rid of Rabbits Under Your Deck: A Humane, Hands-On Guide From Experience

I never expected that the biggest tenants of my home wouldn’t be in the house itself—but under it.

It started with a small rustle. I was sipping coffee one morning on the back deck when I heard a faint scratching sound from below. At first, I brushed it off. Maybe a squirrel, I thought. But as the days went by, the noises got more frequent. Then I spotted one—two floppy ears, twitching just beneath the slats. A rabbit. And not just one, as I soon discovered.

A whole little warren had made its cozy home under my deck.

Now, I love animals. Always have. But when you find yourself hosting a rabbit Airbnb without signing up for it, things shift. My backyard became a buffet, and the once-welcome guests began to overstay. It became clear: I had to reclaim the space—but I wanted to do it kindly. No poisons. No traps. Just a smart, sustainable approach.

So if you’ve got rabbits taking up residence under your deck, porch, or shed, here’s what I learned from the process—lessons in patience, observation, and some surprisingly effective backyard tricks.

Step 1: Confirm Who’s Actually Living There

It might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people misidentify their squatters. I initially assumed it was raccoons. Then maybe opossums. Only after crouching quietly one evening did I spot the unmistakable hop and wiggle of a rabbit.

To properly evict someone, you’ve got to know who you’re dealing with.

Here’s how I confirmed it:

• Watched at dawn and dusk, when rabbits are most active.

• Looked for droppings—small, round pellets scattered around the deck perimeter.

• Noticed chewing damage on low plants and gnawed wood near the edge of the structure.

• Checked for a burrow—a hole typically 4 to 6 inches wide leading underneath.

Once I knew it was rabbits and not some other critter, I could start crafting a plan that was specific—and effective.

Step 2: Make Sure There Are No Babies First

This part is crucial, and I can’t stress it enough. Rabbits breed like, well... rabbits. And they often use quiet, protected spaces—like the underside of a deck—as a nursery.

One of the worst things you can do is seal off the entrance with baby rabbits still inside. Not only is it inhumane, but it also creates a very unpleasant situation when the mother can’t get back in.

Here’s what I did:

• Watched from a distance for a few days to see if a mother rabbit came and went.

• Noted the times of day she appeared—usually morning and evening.

• Gently placed flour or soft dirt at the burrow entrance to track footprints.

If you’re unsure, give it a week or so. Most baby rabbits grow up and leave the nest within 3 to 4 weeks. It’s worth waiting. Once you’re confident they’re gone, then you can proceed.

Step 3: Create an Unwelcoming Environment

Once I was sure there were no babies, it was time to send the not-so-subtle message: “This space is no longer available.”

I started with non-invasive, natural deterrents—nothing harmful, just mildly annoying from a rabbit’s perspective.

What worked for me:

• Strong smells – I soaked rags in apple cider vinegar and tucked them under the deck. The smell fades after a few days, so I re-soaked them regularly for about a week.

• Noise and vibration – I placed a small, battery-operated radio under the deck, turned to talk radio during the day. Not loud enough to disturb the neighbors, but just enough to unsettle a rabbit.

• Motion-activated lights – Rabbits prefer quiet, dark hideouts. Lights make the space feel exposed.

This combo convinced them to pack up and move on without any direct confrontation.

Step 4: Seal the Deal—Literally

Once the rabbits had clearly vacated (no signs, no sounds, no sightings for several days), it was time to close up shop so no future tenants could sneak in.

This part took the most elbow grease, but it was satisfying—like locking the door after a guest overstays their welcome.

Here’s how I sealed off under the deck:

• I used ¼-inch galvanized hardware cloth (stronger than chicken wire).

• Dug a trench about 10–12 inches deep around the perimeter of the deck.

• Bent the wire into an L-shape, laid it in the trench, and attached it to the frame of the deck.

• Buried it with soil and secured the top with landscape staples and screws.

This L-shaped barrier prevents both digging and crawling. I made sure to check for gaps, especially near corners or where the ground was uneven. I also added decorative lattice over the wire for a cleaner look.

Step 5: Remove Attractants Around Your Yard

After I sealed up the deck, I realized I’d only solved part of the puzzle. The rabbits might be gone from under the deck—but if my yard still looked like rabbit paradise, they’d just relocate a few feet away.

So I took a good, hard look at the rest of my yard. And I made some changes.

What I adjusted:

• Cut back overgrown shrubs and cleared brush piles where rabbits could hide.

• Moved my compost pile farther away from the house—and covered it.

• Switched out some rabbit-attracting plants (like pansies and clover) for less tasty options like lavender and yarrow.

• Kept the grass shorter—rabbits feel safer in tall grass where they’re less visible.

It took a weekend of yard work, but I felt more in control—and less like I was hosting a rabbit commune.

Step 6: Know When to Call in Help

Now, if all this feels like too much—or if you try everything and those bunnies still come hopping back—it’s totally okay to bring in a professional.

There are humane wildlife control specialists who know how to safely remove and relocate animals without harming them. They can also inspect your property and offer tailored advice to prevent future issues.

I didn’t end up needing one, but I kept a few local names handy, just in case. It’s always good to know your options, especially if you’re dealing with a persistent or particularly sneaky rabbit population.

Bonus: What Not to Do

Over the course of this journey, I did a lot of reading—and I also talked to a few neighbors who had gone through the same rabbit drama. And I learned quickly that some methods were best avoided.

So just to be clear, here’s what not to do:

• Don’t use poison or glue traps – They’re inhumane and can harm other wildlife (or even pets).

• Don’t flood the burrow – It won’t work, and it’s a cruel way to handle the problem.

• Don’t block the entrance too soon – You risk trapping live animals inside.

• Don’t try to handle or relocate rabbits yourself – It’s often illegal in some areas and can be dangerous or stressful for the animal.

Kindness and patience go a long way—and they often result in more lasting solutions.

Reflections From Under the Deck

In the end, what started as a minor backyard nuisance became a full-blown lesson in coexistence. I didn’t just evict some rabbits—I learned about their behavior, their needs, and the role they play in the ecosystem.

FAQ How to Get Rid of Rabbits Under Your Deck

1. How do I know if rabbits are still living under my deck, or if they’ve already left?

Great question—and one I asked myself a lot during my own rabbit situation. Rabbits are pretty quiet critters, so it’s not always obvious whether they’re still hanging around. But there are a few reliable signs you can look for:

• Fresh tracks or droppings near the entry point are a good indicator. Their droppings are small, dry, and round—kind of like coffee beans.

• If you sprinkle a light layer of flour or baby powder at the entrance of the burrow or under the deck, you can check later for little paw prints.

• Watch for activity around dawn and dusk, when rabbits are most active. If you sit quietly with a view of the deck, you might spot one slipping in or out.

• Also, listen for movement—scratching, hopping, or soft thumping sounds—especially at night.

I found that observing for just a few days gave me a clear picture of whether they were still living there. It was worth the wait to avoid accidentally sealing anyone inside.

2. What if I accidentally sealed off the deck while rabbits were still underneath?

Ugh—this is a tough one, and unfortunately, it does happen. The first thing to do is stay calm and act quickly.

If you realize a rabbit might still be under there:

• Open the entry point again immediately to give them a way out.

• Watch and wait to see if they leave—especially around sunset.

• You can place a trail of food (like a few carrot or apple slices) just outside the entrance to see if they’re tempted out.

Rabbits can’t survive long without food and water, so if they’re sealed in, they’ll try to dig or push their way out. Listen for signs of movement.

Once you’re sure the area is empty again, you can go ahead and seal it up properly. It’s a mistake many people make—what matters is that you notice and fix it as soon as possible.

3. Is there any way to get rid of rabbits without sealing off under the deck?

Technically, yes—but I’ll be honest, it’s not very effective in the long run.

You can use:

• Strong-smelling deterrents like vinegar, garlic, or predator urine (available at garden stores).

• Noisy devices like radios, motion-activated sprinklers, or spinning pinwheels to startle them.

• Planting rabbit-repelling greenery (lavender, marigold, or rosemary) around the area.

All of these might make your deck area less appealing for a while, but unless you physically block off access, they’ll likely return—especially if they’ve already claimed it as home.

Think of it like putting a "Do Not Enter" sign outside your house—some guests will listen, others will still knock.

If sealing off the deck isn’t an option right now, you can at least make it a lot less cozy and convenient for them until you’re ready to take permanent action.

4. Do I need to worry about rabbits causing damage if they’re living under my deck?

Honestly, yes—over time, rabbits can cause more problems than you’d expect for such quiet little creatures.

They’re not destructive in the same way raccoons or groundhogs might be, but here’s what I experienced (and what others often report):

• Burrowing: They dig out space under the deck which can lead to soil erosion and even minor shifting of the deck over time.

• Attracting predators: Coyotes, foxes, or snakes might take an interest if they know rabbits are nearby.

• Gnawing: Rabbits have strong teeth and will sometimes chew on deck supports, garden furniture, or wiring.

• Garden damage: If you’ve got a vegetable or flower garden close by, they’ll treat it like a free buffet.

So while they may seem harmless at first, the longer they stay, the more potential there is for damage. I’d recommend addressing the issue sooner rather than later.

5. Can I trap and relocate the rabbits myself?

It’s understandable to want a quick, hands-on solution—but this one’s a little trickier than it sounds. In many areas, it’s actually illegal to trap and relocate wildlife, including rabbits, without a permit. That’s because moving animals can cause unintentional harm—to the animal, to other wildlife, or even to pets and people in the new area.

Also, trapping seems easy in theory but is more complicated in practice:

• You may trap a mother and accidentally leave babies behind.

• Relocated rabbits often don’t survive in a new, unfamiliar area.

• You risk injury to yourself or the animal if the process isn’t handled properly.

If you’re set on relocation, I’d suggest calling a licensed wildlife control expert who uses humane methods. They’ll know the laws in your area and can make sure the animals are handled respectfully and safely.

6. After I seal off the deck, how do I make sure rabbits won’t come back next year?

Ah, the final step—preventing the encore performance. Sealing off the deck is a solid start, but if you’ve dealt with rabbits once, chances are they (or their friends) might try again next season.

Here’s what helped me keep them away for good:

• Regular yard maintenance: I kept the grass short and trimmed back dense bushes and overgrown areas where they might want to nest.

• Reinforced the barrier: I double-checked my mesh wire every spring to make sure it hadn’t rusted, shifted, or been chewed at.

• Monitored the yard: I walked the perimeter of my house and shed once every few weeks, just to spot any new signs of digging or droppings.

• Grew natural deterrents: I surrounded the area with plants like sage, oregano, and daffodils—beautiful and bunny-repelling.

• Kept the compost covered: Leftover veggie scraps are like rabbit candy. A sealed compost bin made a big difference.

Staying one step ahead is easier once you know what to look for. And trust me—after going through all the effort to evict them once, it’s a lot more appealing to keep them out than to go through it all again.

And strangely enough, I found myself respecting them a little more.

They weren’t out to destroy my garden or undermine my deck (well, maybe unintentionally). They were just doing what wild animals do—finding shelter, raising their young, trying to survive.

By choosing a humane approach, I not only solved the problem but also avoided the guilt and mess that can come from more aggressive tactics. Now, my deck is quiet. My garden is intact. And when I spot a rabbit hopping across the yard in the distance, I can appreciate it—from afar.

And that, I think, is the best kind of peace treaty.