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Rabbits: use of LPG technology | LC0365 |
Ross Williamson, Melbourne
February, 2000 |  |
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This Landcare Note discusses the possible use of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) to control rabbits in burrows. LPG delivery/ignition devices have been available for treatment of rabbits in burrows for over two years and public interest is steadily increasing.
Introduction
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) provides in principle support to the investigation and development of innovative approaches to pest animal management. However, it will only make recommendation of control measures where there are results from standardised testing that support the product or methods used.
The developers or promoters of the LPG delivery/ignition techniques currently on the market have not provided NRE with the results from any testing that has been carried out in a controlled repeatable manner with the LPG delivery/ignition device.
NRE is aware that the use of LPG being discharged into rabbit burrows and subsequently ignited has been promoted since early 1997. At the time of writing NRE is not aware of any testing of this technique that provides robust scientific evidence on:
- Humaneness;
- Efficacy (percentage of rabbits in a burrow that are killed from treatment);
- Efficiency (costs and need for re-treatment); and,
- Effectiveness (length of time of overall control before rabbit numbers build up requiring a new treatment program).
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Testing of LPG methods has not been carried out to enable NRE to make a scientifically reliable statement on its value in the control of rabbits in burrows. Further, treatment with LPG can only be regarded as a means of killing rabbits: it does not destroy the structure of the burrows. Burrow destruction remains the key to achieving long-term rabbit control in most situations
Operator responsibilities
Users of LPG delivery/ignition devices must ensure they meet the requirements of:
- Metropolitan Fire Brigade;
- Office of Gas Safety;
- Country Fire Authority;
- The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986;
- Victorian Workcover Authority; and,
- Any other relevant legislation which may regulate the use of LPG technology
Principles
The principles for the use of LPG are similar to fumigation.
- Read the label/user manual.
- Find all active burrows.
- Ensure all rabbits are in the burrows.
- Locate all entrances/exits to the burrows.
- Cut the burrow back using a shovel to get easy access to the burrow entrance.
- Check to find the tunnels rabbits are using.
- Apply LPG as per manufacturer’s instruction.
- Treat burrows individually.
- Re-check all treated burrows 6 days later and again 6 weeks later and retreat as necessary.
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Unlike the requirement for most fumigants and for 1080 rabbit poison baits, a user of the LPG technique does not require an Agricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP).
However as no robust data on the efficacy of LPG treatment is available potential users are advised to optimise treatment by applying a fumigant immediately after warrens/burrows are treated with LPG and then sealing the warren/burrows. Existing rabbit fumigants are Schedule 7 agricultural chemicals, which means users will need an ACUP. In NSW, LPG technology users have been fumigating with aluminium phosphide tablets. Fumigation techniques are described in Landcare Note LC0295: Rabbits: methods of fumigating rabbit burrows.
Steps for treatment of warrens/burrows with LPG: -
1. Identify all burrows, warrens and surface harbour
Identify all areas with burrows and with rabbit activity. Record this information on a farm plan to shows all harbour and feeding grounds.
2. Remove surface harbour
Identify all areas of above ground surface harbour. Above ground surface harbour can both prevent access to rabbit burrows and provide alternative refuge for rabbits. All weeds (blackberry, boxthorn, furze/gorse, briars, and thistles), bracken, fallen timber, logs, and stumps will protect burrows and assist rabbit survival.
3. Put the rabbit in the burrow
LPG treatment may only be effective on those rabbits that are in the burrow at the time of treatment. Dogs and loud noise can be effective tools to drive rabbits into the burrows.
4. Dig burrows back
All openings to the burrows need to be found and dug back to a solid earth face. Burrows that have been properly treated and sealed do not provide ready-made future harbour.
5. Understand the instructions
Read the product label carefully before using the equipment and follow all label instructions with care. Make sure all participants understand the use and potential hazards of the technique and equipment. Only ignite the LPG when it is safe to do so.
6. Follow up LPG treatment of warrens/burrows with fumigation.
The use of LPG is probably best seen at the moment as a short term option for treatment of burrows where access is limited or when they are located in sensitive areas where disturbance should be minimised (such as along streamsides or within remnant native vegetation patches). Where possible follow up LPG treatment with fumigation. The most effective time for fumigation would be immediately following LPG treatment. Check Landcare Note LC0295: Rabbits: methods of fumigating rabbit burrows. Read, understand and follow all label instructions for fumigation.
7. Leave no home for the rabbit.
Generally the LPG delivery/ignition technique does not destroy the burrow structure. Consequently, treated burrows will still be available as harbour for any rabbits that survive treatment or reinvade from elsewhere. Where possible destroy the burrows by ripping.
8. Seal burrow entrance(s)
If fumigating, burrow entrances should be sealed as per instructions for fumigation (see Landcare Note LC0295: Rabbits: methods of fumigating rabbit burrows). Otherwise cut back each entrance until the distance between normal ground surface and the top of the hole is at least 30 cm. After treatment with LPG, fill-in each of the holes, tamp down the earth to make as effective a seal as possible and level off with normal ground surface so there are no hollows or rises to attract rabbits. In NSW some users of the LPG technique are applying a chemical deterrent to the sealed area over the old entrances.
9. Assess treatment
The treatment site should be checked within 6 days and again in 6 weeks to check for reactivated entrances. Look for dunghill and scratches as activity indicators. Retreat if necessary.
10. Safety:
Only experienced or trained operators should use or oversee the use of LPG delivery/ignition devices.
11. Monitoring
Apart from assessing burrow activity after treatment (point 9) it is advisable to check the remaining rabbit numbers. Spotlight the treated areas (see LC0334: Rabbits: monitoring rabbit populations) and remove above ground harbour. When evaluating whether or not to destroy harbour, weigh up the balance of conservation of native species against other options that may destroy the remaining rabbits and minimise reinfestation.
12. Protect your investment
Have a goal: aim for rabbit free! - Check the rabbit prone areas, by spotlighting, monitoring warrens for active burrows, and looking for rabbits 2 hours prior to sunset. Do it at least 4 times a year, say early summer, autumn, mid winter and spring. Take action as soon as rabbits are found. Controlling rabbits when populations are low saves pasture, native vegetation and money!
Integrated rabbit control
Implementing two or more complementary rabbit control techniques ensures a better long-term benefit and will give greatest value for money.
Rabbit research
The Victorian Institute of Animal Science (VIAS) has a Vertebrate Pest Research Department that undertakes investigation and development of new techniques for pest animal control and their strategic management. All research and development activity of the vertebrate pest research department is done in accordance with established scientific protocols and with appropriate permits. Publications from the Vertebrate Pest Research Department relating to humaneness, efficacy, efficiency and effectiveness of vertebrate pest management techniques are available from the NRE Information Centre. Where appropriate, assessments and investigations of vertebrate pest control methods can be undertaken by VIAS for clients outside of Government, on a commercial basis.
VIAS has not assessed the use of LPG technology for rabbit management.
This note replaces note number PA0075
The advice provided in this publication is intended as a source of information only. Always read the label before using any of the products mentioned. The State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.
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