Pest control demonstrations at Sim’s Farm

News article |

Land managers are invited to a free ‘Pests Cost Us All’ half-day demonstration covering the latest information in feral cat, fox and African boxthorn control.

Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula NRM Officer Elouise Schultz said the demonstration was timely, with land managers voicing their concerns over rising numbers of feral cats and foxes, especially coming into the lambing season.

“Reported fox sightings have increased, with many community members seeing them during the day,” she said.

“Foxes are having an impact on rural properties, feeding on domestic animals, such as poultry and lambs, and livestock alike. They are known to take more than they need nutritionally, meaning one fox can cause significant losses in a single night.

“Foxes are also bad news for local wildlife such as goannas, pygmy possums and malleefowl.”

Pest animals and plants cost industry millions of dollars annually and degrade Australia’s environment.

Feral cats cause damage to the local environment through predation on small native and introduced mammals, birds, lizards and insects and also spread diseases that can affect humans and livestock.

Elouise said the key to achieving integrated pest management was working together with neighbours.

“Natural Resources EP is committed to sharing efficient, effective and best practise control methods,” she said.

“Demonstrations on the day will include innovative feral cat control, spring activated baiting devices for foxes and use of granular herbicides for African boxthorn.”

Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula is also as providing free fox baits to eligible land managers at 11 locations across the eastern Eyre Peninsula during February and March.

The pest control demonstration will be held on Wednesday, 21 February at Sim’s Farm from 9:30am to 1pm, with morning tea and lunch provided. To RSVP or for further details, contact Elouise Schultz on 0428 282 077 or visit www.landscape.sa.gov.au/ep

Funding for the demonstration was provided via the Australian Governments Agricultural Productivity White Paper.

People wishing to report sightings of foxes and feral cats are encouraged enter their observations at FeralScan: www.feralscan.org.au/

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