Baiting gets the bounce on pests

IT’S time to tackle the region’s rascally rabbit problem for another year.

Maude, Meredith and Districts Landcare Group’s annual summer wild rabbit baiting and poisoning campaign is getting underway.

Golden Plains Shire residents noticing the pests on their land in this hotter, drier period are invited to take part in the not-for-profit environmental organisation’s “effective solution.”

“If you have evidence of rabbits obvious on your property, go out with a spotlight, or even a strong torch, and have a look around at night,” said the Landcare group’s secretary Laura Hollingsworth.

“Our program is conducted using Pindone-poisoned carrot. Pindone is an anticoagulant, which works by blocking the blood-clotting mechanism.

“It is regarded as one of the most humane ways to control rabbits. There is an effective antidote for this poison which reduces the risk to non-target animals.

“The baited carrot is to be put out for three nights over the week coinciding with collection dates.”

Ms Hollingsworth said Landcare members encourage people to share the information with their neighbours and broader communities who may also like to take part, and team up.

“Several neighbours working together produces a more successful result,” she said.

The dates of baiting are Friday 9, Monday 12, and Thursday 15 February, with a deadline for orders of Friday 2 February.

Pick up is between 2pm and 4pm at the shed at 1824 Steiglitz Road at Maude, next to the community tennis courts.

“Anyone can take part, however, we stress that the program involves coming to Maude on all three of the dates listed to collect your bait, as the program is designed for the rabbits to have access to the bait over that period,” Ms Hollingsworth said.

“It is a cumulative poison, so it is imperative that all three feeds are carried out on the days of collection.

“Bait should be placed in a shallow trail, made using a ripper, grader blade or by hand using a mattock or garden tool.

“Rabbits are attracted to disturbed ground but may take a night or two to start eating the carrot. Several free feeds of un-poisoned carrots beforehand helps to get the rabbits used to going to the trail.”

Bags between five and 20 kilograms of carrots are available from $35 and landcare members save on cost.

Contact 0418 173 730 or 5281 9395, or email [email protected] to buy a bag.

Maude, Meredith and Districts Landcare Group has some bait laying trailers that participants may like to utilise, which can be booked by email as well.