The key to effective and economical rabbit control is being able to predict and prevent damage with methods that are appropriate to the predicted loss in value.
A 1-inch mesh fence of poultry netting (chicken wire will work but is not very durable) works well to protect gardens or perennial flower beds from rabbit damage. Bury the bottom edge of the fence about 4 inches below the ground to prevent rabbits from digging under it. The buried portion can be splayed outward from the protected area to better prevent digging. Use a fence 2 feet high against cottontail rabbits. You can extend the life of the chicken-wire, welded-wire, or hardware-cloth fence by taking it down each fall and storing it out of the weather, but remember that the stems of woody plants may be susceptible to rabbit damage during winter months.
Some repellents are more effective than others. BGR (Big Game Repellent), also known as Deer-Away, is one that works for true herbivores like rabbits, but it will need constant replenishment. Exclusion is certainly a more permanent solution.
Online Resources:
Cottontail Rabbit Control
