Controlling rabbits on the radar in southern NSW

Rocky outcrops, sheds and cropping country have all been impacted by damage from the pest this season.

Riverina Local Land Service (LLS) bio-security officer, Mark Luff of Wagga said the sheer location of some of the rabbits meant they were hard to eradicate.

"While this time of the year is not the ideal time for rabbit baiting in the Wagga area, there has been many landholders still baiting," Mr Luff said.

"Surprisingly there has been a good uptake of carrots on most properties that have baited," he said.

Mr Luff said the best time of the year to bait in this area is summer or early autumn because the rabbits were usually hungry and come onto the baits easily and you get better control.

"Most landholders who have baited recently in the Wagga area will be encouraged to bait again next summer or autumn."

Meanwhile, there has been plenty of reports of damage in the area.

"The damage I have encountered has been (in) crops, rabbits were doing the most damage when they (crops) were coming out of the ground," he said.

Canola and lupin crops were also affected.

The seasonal conditions and buoyant autumn were considered to be the catalysts for increased rabbit numbers in the area.

"With the extra feed on the ground the rabbits were able to breed more prolifically."

Farmers around Coolamon and Marrar have reported activity of the pests.

Mr Luff said a bio-security officer from LLS could provide services about how to control rabbits.

"If the best control method is to bait the Bio-security Officer can purchase carrots, cut up and supply to landholders. Local Land Services will also provide the landholder with a bait layer to put the carrots out."

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