Rabbit Control for Rural Properties

Why Control Rabbits?

Rabbits are more than just a nuisance. They’re a highly destructive invasive species that can:

  • Damage infrastructure like sheds, cattle yards, and flooring

  • Destroy valuable pasture and crops

  • Contribute to erosion and long-term land degradation

  • Provide a food source for predatory pests like wild dogs and foxes

Controlling rabbit populations is essential for protecting your property’s productivity and profitability.

How Rabbits Became a Problem

Rabbits arrived in Australia with the First Fleet in 1788 as domesticated livestock. But in the 1850s, 24 wild rabbits were released into the environment by Thomas Austin for sport hunting—an action that led to one of the most widespread ecological invasions in Australian history.

Despite modern biological and chemical control methods, rabbits remain deeply entrenched in many rural areas, and their impact continues.

The Hidden Costs of Rabbits

Infrastructure Damage

Rabbits often burrow under buildings with suspended floors, dirt sheds, and cattle yards. These areas offer shelter and food, leading to structural instability, costly repairs, and injury risks to people and livestock.

Pasture Loss and Productivity

A population of 200 rabbits in one paddock can reduce overall productivity by around 2%. For livestock producers, this translates into real losses in grazing capacity and beef production.

Soil Erosion and Crop Damage

Rabbit burrows contribute to soil instability and erosion, particularly on slopes or in poorly vegetated areas. Crop losses often go unnoticed until yields drop significantly.

Increased Predator Activity

Rabbits attract predators like wild dogs and foxes. With a reliable food source, these animals become more active and more likely to attack livestock. Properties with rabbit infestations often report higher rates of stock loss.

What an Effective Rabbit Control Program Looks Like

No single method will eliminate rabbits. The most effective programs use a combination of strategies, tailored to the specific conditions of each property.

Recommended Control Methods

Ground Shooting (Thermal Technology)

  • Fast and highly effective

  • Minimal disturbance to livestock and neighbours

  • Ideal for paddocks, sheds, and infrastructure

  • We use suppressed, low-powered firearms for safe, quiet operation

Baiting

  • Effective where other methods are impractical

  • We assist with planning, deployment, and compliance

  • Landholders must meet regulatory requirements for bait use

Trapping

  • Targeted and environmentally sensitive

  • Labour-intensive and requires expertise

  • Used when other methods are unsuitable

Habitat & Warren Destruction

  • Prevents rabbits from re-establishing

  • Includes collapsing warrens and removing cover

  • We provide full services including D5 dozer operation

Prevention

  • Rabbit-proof fencing and mesh installation

  • Advice and recommendations available for house yards and farm buildings

Biological Control

  • We consult with Local Land Services for coordinated biological control

  • Useful as a supplement to active control strategies

Ongoing Monitoring

  • Early detection saves time and money

  • We offer scheduled property visits for ongoing management

The Return on Investment

Controlling rabbits provides a measurable return. It:

  • Increases pasture availability

  • Reduces infrastructure repair costs

  • Lowers the risk of predator-related stock losses

  • Improves long-term land condition and property value

Need Help?

If rabbits are causing problems on your property, we’re here to help.
Contact Hunter Feral Control—your rabbit control experts in the Hunter Valley.