Pest species control
If you have vertebrate pests on your property, you have a duty to contain, eradicate, or effectively control them to prevent the spread of pest animals.
For effective control, it is recommended that landholders should conduct at least one primary control method supported by supplementary techniques to work towards satisfying their General Biosecurity Duty.
Common vertebrate pests and recommended control methods
| Pest | Primary activity | Secondary activity |
| European red fox | Ground baiting Fox exclusion fencing Participate in local fox management groups Take part in coordinated group programs | Ground shooting rapping Guard animals Aerial baiting |
| Feral cats | Ground shooting Trapping Explore new management options Advocate for new targeted cat toxins Exclusion fencing Participate in cat control trials | The lack of effective control methods severely limits the ability to manage feral cats. |
| Feral goats | Trapping Mustering Aerial shooting Prepare and implement local goat management plans | Ground shooting |
| Feral pigs | Participate in coordinated group programs Ground baiting Aerial shooting Prepare and implement local pig management plans Ground trapping | Ground shooting Recreational hunting |
| Feral deer | Aerial shooting Ground shooting | Ground shooting Exclusion fencing |
| Wild dogs | Participate in local wild dog management groups Take part in coordinated group programs Ground baiting Proactive trapping Exclusion fencing Aerial baiting Monitoring | Reactive trapping Shooting Guard animals |
| Rabbits | Ground baiting Harbour destruction (warren ripping/destruction and surface harbour removal) Biological control (RHDV programs) Exclusion fencing Prepare and implement local rabbit management plans Participate in coordinated group programs Aerial baiting | Fumigation Ground shooting Trapping |
Discussing your individual situation with your local Biosecurity Officer is vital in ensuring you are conducting best practice pest control and achieving effective pest management.
If you’d like to know more, check for events coming up in your region or contact your Local Land Services office.
Our free online Vertebrate Pesticide Induction Training course will ensure you are suitably accredited to use baits and pesticides.
For more information on pest species and biosecurity, visit PestSmart or the Department of Primary Industries.