Chemical pest animal control methods

Some chemicals can be hazardous to people and both domestic and native animals. You must always follow the directions on the label when using chemicals.

Baiting

Baiting with pesticides can be the most cost-effective option for reducing large pest animal populations. Follow-up using physical control methods can further reduce pest animal numbers and limit their capability of quickly reinvading.

Different chemicals may be used for particular invasive animals in certain situations.

1080 (sodium fluoroacetate)

1080 is:

  • registered for the control of wild dogs, feral pigs, feral cats, foxes and wild rabbits in Queensland
  • a restricted chemical product also known as an S7 poison.

The possession, supply, storage and disposal of S7 poisons is regulated under the Medicines and Poisons Act 2019 and associated regulations and other Queensland Health regulations.

The use of S7 poisons in relation to label or permit instructions is regulated under the Chemical Usage (Agricultural and Veterinary) Control Act 1988 and its associated regulations.

S7 poisons must always be used in accordance with the product label directions or the conditions of an APVMA minor use permit. Contact your local government for more information about the invasive animal baiting service provided by your local government.

Pindone

Pindone is registered for the control of rabbits in Queensland. Pindone is best used near settled areas where 1080 would be inappropriate; it is not recommended for broadacre use. Pindone is commercially available as pre-prepared oat bait from agricultural suppliers.

Fire ant and electric ant baits

Fire ant and electric ant baits are approved under permits issued by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority. They contain a relatively low-toxic mixture of crushed corn soaked in soy bean oil and with one of the following chemicals:

  • methoprene
  • pyriproxyfen
  • hydramethylnon
  • fipronil.

These baits can only be applied by accredited Biosecurity Queensland officers to outside areas where fire ants or electric ants have been found.

Fumigation

Fumigation controls rabbits inside their warrens or foxes inside their dens. This control method may be most useful to remove small pest animal numbers or in areas where warren ripping or fox baiting is not practical (e.g. in inaccessible terrain or near urban areas).

Fumigation to control rabbits

Depending on the number and location of rabbits you need to control, you may choose to use:

  • static fumigation – placing moistened aluminium phosphide (phosphine) tablets that release toxic gas into each entrance of a rabbit warren, blocking them so rabbits cannot escape
  • pressure fumigation – forcing gas into a rabbit warren under pressure with a fumigating machine. The chemical used (chloropicrin, sold as Larvacide) is highly toxic to people, can be painful to rabbits, and is being phased out in Australia.

Fumigation to control foxes

Fumigation of foxes inside their dens uses combustible carbon monoxide fumigant cartridges. As carbon monoxide is toxic to people, you must take adequate precautions to safeguard against accidental exposure.

Spraying

Spraying with insecticides can effectively control locusts. Different chemicals may be used for particular species of locusts. Following spraying, chemical residues in crops or stock require careful management. You must observe withholding periods or slaughter intervals as specified on the chemical label. Depending on your pest animal control needs, you may choose either ground or aerial spraying.

Ground spraying

Ground spraying is best used for controlling bands of small hoppers. You don't need a licence for ground spraying if it's applied on your own property using appropriate equipment. Ground spraying is most effective when applied to hoppers at densities below 30 square metres during the late afternoon, when hoppers have spread out from shelter, and in moderate wind conditions.

Aerial spraying

Aerial spraying is the only effective way to control flying locusts. You need a pilot chemical rating licence under the Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control Act 1966 if you are going to use aerial spraying.

Also consider...

  • Last reviewed: 3 Dec 2024
  • Last updated: 3 Dec 2024