Fumigants are poisons in the form of a toxic gas which, when inhaled, result in death. One advantage of fumigants is that they may be introduced into the rabbit burrow and do not require the animal to eat the poison. Fumigants are effective in controlling young rabbits which do not wander far from the burrow and are difficult to shoot or poison. Fumigant use is, however, labour intensive and is best used as a back up to shooting or poisoning. A suitable fumigant is:
- Magotoxin which produces phosphine gas
Before using any poison read the poison label, comply with the handling instructions, and ensure you understand the symptoms and the recommended first aid treatment..
How to fumigate a rabbit burrow:
- Using a spade widen the opening to the burrow for easy access then cut a sod of earth the size of the opening for plugging the entrance.
- Block of any other burrow entrances.
- Wearing rubber gloves and protective clothing take the required amount of fumigant from the airtight container and close immediately afterwards.
- Do not inhale fumigant.
- Place fumigant at least 40cm inside the burrow and seal immediately with the sod with the grass side down being careful not to cover the fumigant with earth.
For more information
Contact an Environment Bay of Plenty pest animal officer.
See Fact Sheet PA01 - Use of fumigants to control rabbits.
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