Rabbit Pest Control
Predator Pest Solutions are specialists in rabbit pest control and management. If you would like a free no obligation quote, please call us on 0800 112 3480 or fill in the form on the right.
Information on Rabbits
The European rabbit (Orytolagus cuniculus) is a common sight across the rural landscapes of the UK. Rabbits are believed to have been introduced to Britain by the Normans who kept them in large pens and harvested them for meat and fur, it is also believed that many of these rabbits escaped the pens or were intentionally released, ultimately becoming the wild species that we see today.
Rabbits are easy to identify due to their greyish brown pelts (although black and gingery rabbits can also appear), white fluffy tail and long ears without black tips (unlike brown hares). Rabbits have adapted well to their environment and can quickly populate an area as they breed all year round, have up to 6 litters a year, with each litter containing 4 – 6 kits. Rabbits do have natural predators such as birds of prey, foxes, stoats and even badgers, however the population of rabbits is still able to increase rapidly in certain environments.
Post-World War II, in 1953 a disease was introduced to the UK to drastically reduce the population of rabbits, this disease is called Myxomatosis or commonly referred to as ‘Myxy’. Myxomatosis is caused by the myxoma virus and is transmitted to the rabbit from insects such as mosquitos or fleas. Myxomatosis was so effective in the UK, it is estimated that the remaining rabbit population today is between 3% – 5% of pre-1953 rabbit population. Although Myxomatosis was very effective at eradicating a large proportion of the rabbit population, it is also highly unethical leading to prolonged suffering of the infected animal before eventually succumbing to dehydration or starvation after many days. Myxomatosis can still affect rabbit populations today, however quick and humane dispatch of these infected rabbits is common practice to reduce suffering.
Rabbit Environmental Impact & Risks
Large rabbit populations can cause frustration for many households and businesses across the UK, in urban areas rabbits can wreak havoc in gardens, bowling greens, golf courses and sports fields. Due to the burrowing behaviour of rabbits, excessive damage can be caused to properties and in extreme cases can lead to the collapse of structures or foundation integrity. Rabbits also have a detrimental effect in more rural areas including agricultural land, livestock/livery yards and riding schools.
Large populations of rabbits on agricultural land can cause devastating damage to crops, woodland and game cover, due to their feeding and burrowing behaviours. This is also true for agricultural livestock fields, livery yards and riding schools, as burrowing in these areas can result in livestock or equine injures due to falling into the entrance of a burrow. These agricultural affects can be very costly to the people involved and as a result, effective rabbit management is advised to prevent these incidents.
Rabbit Pest Control & Management
Rabbit control and management is key to reducing the overall population of rabbits in an area and reducing the chance of diseases spreading within rabbit communities, ultimately leading to a healthier, more sustainable population of rabbits.
Our rabbit management team have many years’ experience in dealing with large rabbit populations, reducing many populations down to a sustainable level. There are many different management options that can be used and can be tailored to the needs of our clients and the land. We promote ethical management to the population to achieve a healthy, sustainable population of rabbits reducing damage to properties and reducing the number of rabbits infected with Myxomatosis.
If you have a rabbit pest control issue:
- Log areas of main concern.
- Log locations of key burrows and rabbit runs.
- Ensure all areas requiring inspection are clear.
- Call Predator Pest Solutions.
On arrival, our technician will:
- Establish the location and estimate size of the rabbit pest control issue.
- Determine the most appropriate method for access and treatment.
- Brief the customer on their findings and recommended next steps.
- Ensure the safety of others.
- Consider impact on environment.
- Wear their protective equipment and commence with the treatment.
- Determine the correct and optimum locations for any traps and deploy these with minimum impact to the customer.
- If required, implement a regular monitoring regime and maintain a site plan of the bait or trap locations.
- Make arrangements to complete any requested proofing of the property.
- Ensure the area is left safe and provide a written report.