Rabbits
The facts
The ancestor of all domestic rabbits, the European rabbit has become so successful that it is considered a pest in many areas. They were introduced to the UK by the Normans in the 12th century to provide meat and fur. Rabbits are smaller and less gangly than hares, and have shorter ears. The tips of the ears are brown, and the upper surface of the tail is dark brown. The characteristic white flash on the underside of the tail can be seen when the animal is fleeing. The body fur is brown/grey. Head-body length: 30-40 cm, weight: 1.2-2kg.
Where do Rabbits live?
They live on heath land, open meadow, grassland, woodland, the fringes of agricultural land and dry sandy soil, including sand dunes. Rabbits have a burrow system known as a warren, and tunnels can be 1-2m long. The nest at the end of the tunnel is lined with grass, moss and belly fur. They use regular trails, which they scent mark with faecal pellets.
Why keep Rabbits under control?
The reason rabbits are considered a pest are due to the rabbit population increasing, as they are becoming immune to the myxomatosis virus. Rabbits become sexually mature after just four months and breed rapidly, so they can readily replace themselves causing damage to lawns, plants, golf courses & agricultural land. An order has been made under section one of the pest act 1954 by which England and Wales (except for the city of London, the Isles of Silly and Skokholm Island) have been declared a Rabbit Clearance Area. In this area, every occupier of land is responsible for destroying wild rabbits on his/her land or for taking steps to prevent them causing damage.
Prevention & Control
Little can be done to prevent rabbits from entering your land all that can be done is to eradicate the problem at first sight before they establish and breed causing a considerable amount of damage. Trapping, gas, or humanely shot is the most communally used methods on the market today. The rabbit warren will be gassed by putting fumigation tablets of *Talunex made from PHOSTOXIN which contains the active ingredient ALUMINIUM PHOSPHIDE in the form of (56%w/w). The MAFF No. for this product is 01775. This treatment is most effective in the Winter months when the earth is damper (*Phostoxin needs moisture to release Aluminium Phosphide gas that kills the rabbits). The movement of rabbits from one area to another is easier during these periods so warrens treated at this time are liable to reoccupation fairly quickly although much depends on individual circumstances The treatment is guaranteed to reduce the rabbit population although by how much and for how long cannot be guaranteed. In the late spring, summer and early autumn rabbits will often not use the warrens at all but lay up on the surface the alternative solution would be to shoot or humanely trapped.
Treatment
Contact Paramite Pest Solutions if you suspect you may have a problem and we can advise you on the best course of action. A visit by our pest control officer can be arranged. He will carry out a survey and suggest which of the above method will be used to eradicate the problem. You will be advised on the type of action to take in a case of an accident. Aluminium Phosphide (Talunex) is a deadly poison so the warrens should not be disrupted for at least 24hrs after treatment. Paramite Pest Solutions will take all possible precautions in the placing of traps and gas. Revisits will be made until the problem is cleared.