Frequently asked questions
Rabbit baiting FAQ's
What are pindone-treated carrots?
Pindone carrots are real carrots that have been diced and mixed with a poison registered for control of rabbits in South Australia called Pindone. The carrots are dyed green at the time of mixing. Pindone treated carrots are not sold commercially in South Australia. They are only available from bait distribution days held by Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu. This year, they are only available to people at bait distribution days who can demonstrate that they have completed the online training Safe and successful use of pindone for rabbit management.
I’m worried my dog has eaten some pindone carrots, what should I do?
One of the reasons that pindone is approved for rabbit control in close proximity to dwellings, is because it has an antidote – Vitamin K1 and that multiple feeds are needed to be effective. If you suspect that your dog has eaten some pindone carrots, keep an eye on them. If they have only eaten a few carrots they are likely to be minimally impacted and will recover. If your dog becomes drowsy take them to the vet. Explain that you have used pindone carrots, that the poison is an anticoagulant, and that Vitamin K1 is the antidote.
What is the difference between pindone carrots and calicivirus treated carrots?
Pindone carrots are a poison bait, K5 calicivirus carrots have been treated with the rabbit-specific virus called calicivirus. Carrots treated with the K5 variant of the calicivirus are used to pass on the calicivirus to populations of rabbits. Unlike pindone carrots, there is zero risk to off-target species as the virus only affects rabbits. Unlike pindone carrots, you can use calicivirus carrots on properties smaller than 1000 square metres. Please understand that there are many factors that influence the effectiveness of the virus, therefore calicivirus carrots can vary in their success rate from 20 – 80% effective.
Why do you need to do 3 free feeds before using Pindone?
Free feeding (3 minimum) is an essential aspect of running a safe, responsible and humane baiting program. Firstly, it allows you to observe which animals are eating the feed. It also allows you to work out how much carrot the rabbits are eating so that you can put the right amount of pindone carrots out. It also trains the rabbits to eat a new food source and allows you to draw in all the rabbits in your area over a couple of weeks in the lead up to poisoning. Our online training and baiting video covers all of this. Fodder stores and fruit and veg shops sometimes sell cheap ‘juicing’ carrots or other lower grade carrots that can be useful for free feeding.
Will my dog be ok if they eat a dead rabbit?
It is unlikely that your dog will be affected from eating a dead rabbit. Once a rabbit has died, most of the active poison has been metabolised. One of the reasons that pindone is approved for rabbit control in close proximity to dwellings, is because it has an antidote – Vitamin K1. If you suspect that your dog has eaten a rabbit carcass affected by pindone, go to the vet. Explain that you have used pindone, that the poison is an anticoagulant, and that Vitamin K1 is the antidote. Any rabbit carcasses should be buried below 500mm.
I live in the Adelaide and have land in the hills that has been decimated by rabbits, can I throw some bait out when I am not there?
Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu is committed to running safe, responsible and humane rabbit control program and does not support this approach. Rabbit baiting requires constant surveillance to ensure there is uptake by rabbits, to ensure that baits are removed the following morning, and to prevent off-target animals consuming pindone baits. If the methods shown in the video cannot be committed to you need to find alternative control methods.
Can I bait for rabbits on adjacent rail corridors, bikeways or other public land?
No. You can only bait on your land where you can control access.
My neighbours don’t like baiting and they will hate it if they found out I was baiting. Do I need to put up the pindone poison signs?
Yes. It is a legal requirement when using pindone to display poison signs one day before and four weeks after baiting.
Online training FAQs
I have baited with pindone carrots before, why do I now have to do an online training?
Pindone, when used correctly is an important tool for controlling rabbits and if you have used it correctly in the past, this training will be a cinch for you! If pindone is used incorrectly it can have lethal consequences for native wildlife and pets. Recorded cases of off-target death to wildlife and pets caused by pindone have the potential to shut down control programs and make the baits unavailable to everyone.
We are committed to safe responsible and effective baiting, and we believe that training our community in best-practice use is the best way to support them to do this. We highly recommend that anyone who chooses to bait rabbits do our training. Its free, takes less than 30 minutes, you have nothing to lose.
I am having trouble with the online training, how can I get help?
The training is mandatory for anyone to who intends to purchase pindone carrots from Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu. It is free and online and requires you to read slides and perform 4 quizzes. It’s basically a reading comprehension test which will take between 15 and 30 minutes to complete.
The following tips might be helpful!
Module 1 is the hardest because it has the most questions – 7 questions - Question 5 in module 1 trips a few people up because it requires you to click 3 boxes (its clearly says check all that apply but sometime people assume it’s only one box because the previous questions are like this).
Module 2 only has 4 questions - question 4 also has a check all that apply where you will need to click 3 boxes.
Module 3 only has 3 questions – question 3 has a check all that apply where you will need to click 3 boxes.
Module 4 has 5 questions – Question 1 and 3 - has a check all that apply where you will need to click 3 boxes. Question 5 will require you to tick 4 boxes.
Two heads are always better than one – opening the training on a computer and sitting together with someone to do it will make it easier.
If you need further assistance, please call 8391 7500 during office hours.
Why should I do your training when I can just buy pindone oats from a hardware store?
Rabbits are much more likely to select carrots over oats during summer due to the water content of carrots. If rabbits are not eating the oats, there is a much higher chance of oats being eaten by non-target animals, such as kangaroos. We run control programs at the height of summer when there is less green feed available and rabbits are naturally lowest in number and more susceptible to heat, as the program is more likely to have a long-term effective impact on rabbit populations.
Our online training Safe and successful use of pindone for rabbit management includes a section on using pindone oats. We highly recommend that anyone who chooses to bait rabbits do our training. Its free, takes less than 30 minutes, you have nothing to lose.
Why do I have to come to the information sessions or do online training, I just want to come in and get Pindone today?
Information sessions are not compulsory but do provide you with a greater understanding of rabbits and how to manage them using a range of techniques.
The on-line training will be mandatory for anyone who wishes to purchase pindone carrots from us.
We no longer have the infrastructure to store pindone carrots in the office and will not be able to supply you with carrots from our office location. This is non-negotiable. If you can’t get to your local bait distribution day, you are welcome to register for a different bait distribution day at another town or at a different round at your preferred location.
Providing carrots at a bait distribution day is a best practice control measure. Pindone carrots are made to order based on the number of registrations we have for a distribution day. Providing carrots on a specific day allows for some coordination of timing of baiting, resulting in more widespread and complete control of rabbits in an area.
In regards to training - Pindone when used correctly is an important tool for controlling rabbits and if you have used it correctly in the past, this training will be a cinch for you! If pindone is used incorrectly it can have lethal consequences for native wildlife. Recorded cases of off-target death to wildlife and pets caused by pindone have the potential to shut down control programs and make the baits unavailable to everyone.
We are committed to safe responsible and humane baiting, and we believe that training our community in best-practice use is the best way to support them to do this. We highly recommend that anyone who chooses to bait rabbits do our training. Its free, takes less than 30 minutes, you have nothing to lose.
Other rabbit control options FAQs
What alternatives are there to pindone as I have birds and other wildlife that come onto my property and I don’t want them affected?
There are many alternative options for controlling rabbits that don’t include using pindone baits and there are measures you can take to limit access to bait by native animals. Have a look at our rabbit control options video (coming soon). Consider using calicivirus carrots - the have been treated with the rabbit-specific virus calicivirus. Carrots treated with calicivirus are used to pass on the calicivirus to populations of rabbits. Unlike pindone carrots, there is zero risk to off-target species as the virus only affects rabbits. You can also use calicivirus carrots on properties smaller than 1000 square metres. Understand that there are many factors that influence the effectiveness of the virus, therefore calicivirus carrots can vary in their success rate from 20 – 80% effective.
Rabbits can also be excluded from your property with rabbit proof fencing. Check out our video on rabbit proof fencing (coming soon)
Fumigating warrens and then following up with destroying warrens or working with your neighbours to destroy warrens can be very effective. Rabbits will often prefer to take over an abandoned warren rather than digging a new one.
Also consider bait stations, covered bait trails and using a trail camera to limit access to bait and to confirm the animals feeding on your free feed carrots.
I have a dogs / horses - what could I use instead of pindone?
There are many alternative options for controlling rabbits that don’t include using pindone baits. Have a look at our website and rabbit control options video (coming soon). Consider using calicivirus carrots - the have been treated with the rabbit-specific virus - calicivirus. Carrots treated with calicivirus are used to pass on the calicivirus to populations of rabbits. Unlike pindone carrots, there is zero risk to off-target species as the virus only affects rabbits. You can also use calicivirus carrots on properties smaller than 1000 square metres. Understand that there are many factors that influence the effectiveness of the virus, therefore calicivirus carrots can vary in its success rate from 20 – 80% effective.
Warrens create uneven ground and hidden holes that may be a risk to horses, Consider ripping the warren and then flattening and smoothing the ground.
I don't know what the size of my property is, what rabbit control options can I use?
If you can’t work out your property size, pindone rabbits will not be an option for you. There are many alternative options for controlling rabbits that don’t include using pindone baits. Have a look at our website rabbit control options video (coming soon).
Consider using calicivirus carrots - they have been treated with the rabbit-specific virus - calicivirus. Carrots treated with calicivirus are used to pass on the calicivirus to populations of rabbits. Unlike pindone carrots, there is zero risk to off-target species as the virus only affects rabbits. You can also use calicivirus carrots on properties smaller than 1000 square metres. Please understand that there are many factors that influence the effectiveness of the virus, therefore calicivirus carrots can vary in their success rate from 20 – 80% effective.
Other options could be to exclude rabbits from your property using rabbit proof fencing – check out our video (coming soon).
Why is it so hard to access Calicivirus?
The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is the only organisation in Australia that produces the K5 Calicivirus for sale. The production of K5 requires live rabbits that have not been exposed to the virus before. These rabbits act as an incubator for the virus which is then exacted, processed and made available on order.
Landholders can order vials of the virus direct from DPIRD. The vials can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 12 months, prior to mixing with carrots. Once the vials are reconstituted with water they should be used immediately for optimum results.
Each vial will produce 10kg of K5 treated carrots. Most properties only need 1-2kg of K5 carrots. If you take this approach it is best to have a cluster of landholders ready to use the K5 carrots immediately.
Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu will be offering calicivirus treated carrots in February 2025 from bait distribution days. At this time of year there are fewer baby rabbits which are known to be able to develop immunity to the virus.
Does calicivirus work?
The effectiveness of calicivirus can be extremely variable 20-80%. Variability is due to any existing tolerances to calicivirus, and seasonal and environmental factors that are out of our control. We always recommend that a landholder engage in multiple methods of rabbit control. See our website for further information.
How Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu help with managing rabbits
I can’t get to my local bait distribution day. Can I get some carrots from your office?
No. We no longer have the infrastructure to store pindone oats in the office and will not be able to supply you with carrots from our office location. This is non-negotiable. If you can’t get to your local bait distribution day, you are welcome to register for a different bait distribution day at another township. We have increased the number of distribution day rounds in the central hills to provide access to pindone carrots across the baiting season.
Providing carrots at a bait distribution day is a best practice control measure. Pindone carrots are made to order based on the number of registrations we have for a distribution day. Providing carrots on a specific day allows for coordination of timing of baiting, resulting in more widespread and complete control of rabbits in an area.
Can Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu come and trap the rabbits for me?
Controlling declared pest animals is the responsibility and cost-burden of the landholder and our programs provide advice and access to some of the tools to landholders to fulfill this responsibility. We do not offer a trapping service.
Can I come to Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu to collect some traps?
Trapping is not one of the rabbit control methods we support. We offer advice on other methods of rabbit control as well as and access to calicivirus and pindone baits. You can read about managing rabbits on your property here. If you do undertake trapping be sure you have a humane destruction method worked out prior, either the ability to shoot the trapped rabbit or have pre-arranged a vet to euthanase the rabbit. Note not all vets will provide this service.
I have rabbits on my front lawn that look unwell, what should I do?
We do not offer a trapping or extermination service for rabbits. These rabbits may be affected by the naturally circulating Myxomatosis or other Calicivirus variants.
Why do you only control rabbits over summer and not the rest of the year?
We run control programs at the height of summer when rabbits are naturally lowest in number and more susceptible to heat, and when green feed availability is reduced as the program is more likely to have a long-term effective impact on rabbit populations. Rabbit control on a landscape scale at other times of year is extremely inefficient and rarely effective.
Why isn’t my local Council doing anything about rabbits?
Control of declared animals is the responsibility of the landholder. Councils undertake control of rabbits on council land most often through the release of calicivirus. Councils are often not in the position to exclude the public, dogs and native animals from bait trails.