Rabbits
Feral rabbit populations are increasing on the North Shore and cause major environmental damage, including the destruction of native vegetation, sports fields, reserves and gardens.
According to Local Land Services, feral rabbits cost Australia over $200 million in damage each year.
Ku-ring-gai Council, in conjunction with Greater Sydney Local Land Services undertake targeted wild rabbit control programs aimed at reducing rabbit numbers and their impacts on public assets, private gardens and native wildlife through a strategic and coordinated control campaign.
These control programs include:
- Biological Control using RHDV Calicivirus which is generally conducted every year during February / March. More information on RHDV Calicivirus.
- Poisoning using diced carrot laced with Pindone. This is undertaken in targeted areas and free feeding using non poisoned carrots will be completed prior to the program starting. If you are concerned that your pet has eaten the bait, an antidote (vitamin k1) can be administered by a vet.
There are currently no scheduled RHDV or Pindone baiting program as this stage.
For further information please contact Jacob French, Local Land Services on 0438 073 749 or jacob.french@lls.nsw.gov.au or Travis Roberts, Ku-ring-gai Council on 9424 0401 or krg@krg.nsw.gov.au.
Report a rabbit sighting
You can help us monitor the movements of rabbits by reporting sightings online.
Rabbit control FAQs
Control options for private properties
In terms of keeping rabbits out of your property, the best option is to undertake fencing and attach rabbit netting to an existing fence around the area requiring protection. Most fencing contractors should be able to undertake these works at a relatively low cost. In addition to fencing, Council recommends that a private pest control company, specialising in vertebrate pest control, is contacted to assist in eradicating rabbits on your land.
Other options include:
- Spraying your plants with a liquid deterrent made from boiled garlic and chilli or spreading blood and bone fertilizer, both techniques will have to be repeated after rain.
- Poisoning with Pindone oat bait:
This is a product that can be used by residents in accordance with the product label. A condition of this product is that it can only be used in properties large than 1000sqm. Properties less than 1000sqm will need to get an off label permit from Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). This control technique increases the potential to harm non-target native animals like bandicoots, so currently it’s not a method that would be encouraged if you have bandicoots in your yard or you live next to bushland areas (it an offensive to harm native wildlife NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act 1979). Council is happy to provide technical assists for residents who want to use this method. Learn more.
- Rabbit warren fumigation:
This method can only be done by licenced Pest Controllers and involves releasing a poisonous gas into the rabbit warren. It can be done on private land and is not limited to lot size. The problem is that many of the rabbit infestations in Ku-ring-gai are scrub rabbits, meaning that they live in the bush as opposed to warrens.
- Cage trapping and euthanasia:
This method involves using a cage trap to capture rabbits and then they can be taken to an approved vet to be euthanised. Council has traps which can be borrowed and the cost of euthanasia is covered by Council. If you would like to participate contact Council's Customer Service on 9424 0000.