Rabbit control tools
Managing rabbits effectively takes more than one method and more than one season. No single approach works on its own, and rabbit populations can quickly bounce back if control is not maintained. The best results come from using a combination of methods such as baiting, warren fumigation, warren destruction and follow up monitoring to prevent repopulation.
Rabbit control is far more effective when neighbours work together. Rabbits don’t stay within fence lines, so if one property is treated and the next isn’t, the problem will soon return. By coordinating efforts and undertaking control work each year, we can keep rabbit numbers down and reduce the damage they cause to gardens, primary production, horticulture, native vegetation and local wildlife.
Baiting
There are 2 bait options available for landholders, each with its own criteria for use, risks and benefits. Both are applied to dry oats, making them shelf-stable and easy to use. Bait is typically laid in a trail, in a shallow furrow, which helps attract rabbits to something new in their environment.
Bait options
1080 is a commonly used bait for larger-scale control. Properties must meet several criteria to be eligible, including:
- A minimum property size of 5 hectares
- Baiting areas must be more than 150 m from a dwelling (including sheds and outbuildings on neighbouring properties), water sources, or roads.
In South Australia, 1080 is only available for purchase from your local landscape board. It is highly toxic, requiring only a single dose to be effective, and there is no antidote if ingested. Landholders will be guided through safe handling procedures before use, and all directions must be carefully followed.
Pindone bait is typically used for smaller-scale control or in more built-up areas. While Pindone is considered less toxic than 1080, care is still required when handling this bait. If ingested, antidote is available from a vet or doctor.
Pindone is available from most rural agricultural merchants or can be mixed to order by the landscape board. Please note, Pindone is not available as a carrot-based bait in the Murraylands and Riverland region.
Support and equipment available
If your property does not meet the criteria for 1080, the landscape board may still be able to assist by developing a coordinated baiting program suitable to your situation.
Support can include:
- advice on the most appropriate bait type
- guidance on ideal bait trail locations
- supply or mixing of bait
- bait layer hire
Please contact your local landscape board office for more information.
Bait layers are a useful tool for undertaking rabbit baiting programs. The landscape board has 2 types available for hire:
- road-registered bait layers, suitable for towing behind vehicles or larger machinery
- non-registered bait layers, which are smaller and better suited for quad bikes and denser vegetation.
Both models include a hopper to hold oats and an adjustable cog beneath it to ensure bait is laid at the correct rate. Hire of bait layers can be arranged with your local landscape board.
If you have a smaller property or areas with dense vegetation that can’t be accessed with a bait layer, hand tools can be used to create a small furrow for baiting.
*Note that not all depot locations carry all equipment, and seasonal demand may affect availability. Please enquire with your local landscape board office.
When to undertake baiting
Rabbits are more likely to eat the dry bait when there is less green feed available, so baiting is most effective during the drier, warmer months. Baiting programs typically run for approximately 2 weeks for both bait types, depending on weather conditions and how readily rabbits take the bait.
Further information
Biocontrol
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) has been used to control rabbit populations in Australia since 1996. Over time, rabbits have developed some immunity to the virus, and a new strain – RHDV (K5) – is now available.
Like all control options, RHDV (K5) is most effective when used alongside other control methods. The virus spreads locally, making it useful in areas that are difficult to access, such as cliffs and steep slopes.
Release of RHDV (K5) is carried out in a similar way to baiting programs, using dry oats as the medium. Free-feed trails are laid first to get rabbits familiar with eating the oats before the treated oats are introduced.
RHDV (K5) is available for eligible landholders from the landscape board.
For more information on whether biocontrol is suitable for your situation, please contact your local landscape board.
Further information:
Fumigation
Fumigation is an effective follow-up control tool for rabbit warrens and can be used in areas that are more difficult to access, such as under vegetation. It works best in sandy or soft soils, as it relies on sealing all entrances to the warren.
Identifying entrances can be made easier with a warren smoker. This simple machine is placed at a main entrance and pushes non-toxic smoke through the warren, revealing other entrances that can be sealed using shovels. Once the warren is sealed off, a phosphine tablet is inserted via a tube. This releases phosphine gas, which humanely euthanises the rabbits inside.
Warren smokers are available for loan to support fumigation programs. For more information on hire and safe use, please contact your local landscape board.
Further information:
Warren ripping
Rabbit warren ripping is a control method best used as a follow-up to other methods, such as baiting, to prevent reinfestation.
Ripping is carried out using heavy machinery, such as a tractor or bulldozer fitted with a tine. The tine is dragged through the warren, collapsing it and reducing shelter for rabbits.
Ripping can be difficult in rocky areas, dense vegetation, or where there are long distances between warrens.
Further information:
Other control options
Trapping is not considered an effective or efficient form of rabbit control; however, it may be useful in some situations, particularly as a follow up control method. For more information visit PestSmart.
Shooting can be used as a follow up control method for small and isolated rabbit populations; however, it can be labour intensive and expensive. Visit PestSmart for more information.