Pest Control: Rabbits

Rabbit Control Programmes

Long term rabbit population problems

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We come from an agricultural background, and with many years experience controlling rabbits, we are able to advise on and implement the best, organic, chemical-free rabbit control solution for your rabbit problem. If regular control visits are what you need, we will carry these out promptly and regularly to ensure the pressure is maintained on the rabbit population.

Please call for an informal chat about your rabbit infestation problems, no matter how big or small.

Why do rabbits need controlling?

Rabbits cause significant damage to lawns and amenity grassland with their scraping activities. They can damage shrubs and borders by grazing on the shoots and will gnaw the bark from around trees and large shrubs. If the bark is removed all the way round the tree, it will die. They are especially fond of fruit trees.

In agriculture, large numbers of rabbits can do very serious damage to crops. An adult rabbit will eat half a kilo of plant matter a day. Five rabbits eat the same as one sheep. Their burrows can undermine structures and create dangerous trip hazards for people and livestock.

How are rabbits controlled?

There are many methods of controlling rabbits including ferreting, shooting and trapping.
Rabbit gassing used to be carried out using cyanide. This is now illegal, and only aluminium phosphide is approved for gassing rabbits. This can only be carried out under certain conditions and when other methods will fail. Rabbit gassing is extremely dangerous and should only be carried out by trained and qualified personnel.

The safest, most appropriate method would be selected following a full site survey.
Needless to say, organic methods are always preferred.

Prevention is sometimes an option that is better in the long term. We can advise on the viability of fencing. Good rabbit fencing should be 75cm high, with a turn out of 15cm towards the rabbit population.
If you have recently had fencing installed, we can clear the resident rabbit population for you.

Rabbit biology

Rabbits usually breed from January to July, although if conditions are right, young will be seen all year round. Rabbits have a gestation period of 29-30 days, and there are usually 4-5 litters of 4-6 young in a year. The young rabbits are weaned at four weeks. Many young die, so prolific breeding is necessary to keep numbers up.