Tool 5.7 Fox control options
A brief analysis of the range of fox control options:
|
Control option |
When best to use |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
Aerial 1080 baiting |
Recommended for large, sparsely populated areas that are remotely located and inaccessible by vehicles. |
Lethal baiting is considered to be the most effective method currently available. |
Risk to non-target species. |
|
Ground baiting with 1080 or PAPP poison |
Ground baiting is the preferred method on rural properties or national parks and forestry estates that are accessible by road. |
Lethal baiting is considered to be the most effective method currently available. Bait takes can be monitored if placed at marked or know locations. Untaken baits and fox carcasses can be collected. |
Risk to non-target species, including farm dogs. USE muzzles on working dogs or leave them at home when checking baits. |
|
Canid Pest Ejectors (CPEs) using 1080 or PAPP capsules |
At baiting times |
Poison capsules are sealed and protected from the weather meaning the toxin remains viable until the CPE is activated by a wild dog or fox. Eliminates risk for many smaller non-target species Less risk to working dogs as they can’t be shifted. Device can be disarmed and removed during the day when using working dogs. |
Risk to farm dogs. USE muzzles on working dogs or leave them at home when checking baits.
|
|
Den fumigation with CO2 |
Fumigation should be carried out only when active dens containing young cubs more than 4 weeks old can be located. This will usually be around August to October. |
Best suited to localised fox problems such as active dens within lambing paddocks or near poultry. |
Time-consuming and labour intensive. |
|
Shooting |
Shooting is often used prior to lambing season and as an adjunct to other control methods. |
Good supplement to other control measures. |
Labour intensive – skilled operators with the appropriate licences are needed. Not suitable for areas of dense scrub or near urban areas. |
|
Trapping (soft jaw traps or cage traps) |
Where poison baiting is unacceptable and other methods cannot be used, e.g., semi-rural and urban/residential areas. |
Useful for the control of nuisance animals. |
Not effective as a general fox control method on farm. |
Purchase 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) and other pest animal baits from the following state agencies and organisations:
- New South Wales: Pest control baits to assist in the management of animal pests are available for purchase through NSW Local Land Services.
- Queensland: Pest control baits to assist in the management of animal pests can be obtained from local governments after seeking a permit to use from Queensland Health.
- South Australia: Regional NRM Board officers are authorised to supply poisoned bait in appropriate situations.
- Tasmania: Contact Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania for advice on wild dog baiting.
- Victoria: Bait users in Victoria can purchase 1080 bait products from accredited retailers or authorised licensed pest control operators. To purchase 1080 pest animal baits, you are required to complete a 1080 training course. Contact Agriculture Victoria for more information.
- Western Australia: Trained landholders can purchase bait products containing 1080 after they have obtained baiting approval from an authorised officer of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).
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Tool 5.7 More information – fox control |
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NSW Department of Primary Industries State-specific resources on fox control regulations and adaptation options for sheep producers. |
https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/vertebrate-pests/pest-animals-in-nsw/foxes/fox-control |
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Business Queensland State-specific resources on fox control regulations and adaptation options for sheep producers. |
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SA Department of Primary Industries & Regions State-specific resources on fox control regulations and adaptation options for sheep producers. |
https://www.pir.sa.gov.au/biosecurity/introduced-pest-feral-animals/find_a_pest_animal/foxes |
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Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania State-specific resources on fox control regulations and adaptation options for sheep producers. |
https://nre.tas.gov.au/invasive-species/invasive-animals/invasive-mammals/european-red-foxes |
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Agriculture Victoria Offers state specific resources on fox control regulations, and adaptation options for sheep producers. |
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WA Department of Primary Industries & Regions Offers state specific resources on fox control regulations, and adaptation options for sheep producers. |
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PestSmart Toolkit Provides information and guidance on best-practice invasive animal management on several key vertebrate pest species including rabbits, wild dogs, foxes and feral pigs. Information is provided as fact sheets, case-studies, technical manuals and research reports. |
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