Summer savings on rabbit bait across Yorke Peninsula

16 December 2019

Residents and landholders in Yorke Peninsula can buy rabbit bait at discounted rates this summer to help combat the district’s feral rabbit population.

Natural Resources Northern and Yorke is offering savings on Pindone Oat Bait from now until at least the end of February 2020 through Minlaton and Warooka Landmark stores and YP AG branches in Yorketown, Curramulka, Maitland and Kadina.

Yorke District Landscapes Ranger Carly Dillon said summer was the prime time to control rabbit numbers due to a lack of feed.

“As the number of hot days increase and green feed dries up, rabbits are more likely to fall prey to feed-based baits, like the Pindone-treated oats,” she said.

“They will also be attracted to coastal towns where there are watered gardens, lawns and ovals, so it’s an ideal opportunity for residents to help control numbers of this destructive animal.”

Wild rabbits are a serious environmental and agricultural pest throughout Australia causing soil erosion, crop and pasture losses and damaging native vegetation and wildlife habitats. They are also a food source for foxes and feral cats.

Pre-made baits are one part of the solution, with Ms Dillon also encouraging community groups to get involved.

“Through Northern and Yorke NRM Board’s Bite-Size Grants program, community groups can access funding support to release the Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV),” she said. “For example, the Port Vincent Tidy Towns group released RHDV in August and the Formby Bay Environmental Action Group also plans to get involved. “Plus, anyone can help out by removing spaces where rabbits shelter, like underneath boxthorn weeds and wood piles around properties.”

The summer rabbit bait program is funded by the Northern and Yorke NRM levy. Applications are now open for Bite-Size Grants. Visit the Natural Resources Northern and Yorke's pest animals webpage for a list of participating businesses or contact the Clare office on 8841 3444.