Fumigating fox dens is a humane, reliable and
cost-effective method to reduce fox numbers in rural areas as
part of an
integrated approach to fox control.
Springtime Den Fumigation
Landholders now have access to another tool to assist in their integrated fox control programmes - this one through leading rural merchants without special permits.
DEN-CO-FUME® Carbon Monoxide Fumigant Cartridges have been used by government agencies and licensed pest control contractors over many years for fox control on public and industrial land and in urban fox control programs. With new smaller pack sizes to suite the rural market, the DEN-CO-FUME® Range is set to help simplify on-farm fox control programs this spring.Animal Control Technologies Marketing Manager Paul Crock said the fumigating fox dens in the spring is another simple tool farmers can use to help combat their fox problems. "The new DEN-CO-FUME® cartridges have proven highly effective in eradicating vixens and cubs in active natal dens," he said. "DEN-CO-FUME® is easy to use - simply ignite the cartridge, place in the entrance to the den and cover any openings to contain the smoke". "Foxes and cubs in the den are quickly overcome by the carbon monoxide slipping into unconsciousness and peacefully to death," Mr Crock explained. He said that active dens could be easily identified by the pungent smell of foxes, swarms of blowflies, fox tracks at the opening and often bones of prey discarded close-by. "DEN-CO-FUME® provides one of the best methods of spring fox control available."
The true scale of the fox problem
Mr Crock explained that the key to realistic fox control was the adoption of integrated control programmes including shooting, trapping and baiting with neighbours. "One of the challenges facing farmers is the sheer numbers of foxes living in their landscape," he said. "Research has showed the fox population to vary anywhere from two to eight or more foxes per square kilometre." He said in simple terms a population of four foxes per square kilometre equates to potentially 1200 foxes within a 10km radius of given point. "This is the true scale of the fox problem," he said. "To combat lamb losses, farmers need to adopt integrated control programmes using baiting, shooting, trapping and fumigating."
Economics of integrated control
Since FOXOFF® has been introduced, wool growers and prime lamb producers who conduct regular FOXOFF® Baiting programmes have seen increases in marking percentages of 30% with some as high as 50%.
"The cost of a FOXOFF® programme on a 1,000ha farm is about $150.00 for baits plus the landholders" time in checking and replacing baits," he explained. "The return in this small investment in time and effort is remarkable, and has been proven time and again." Mr Crock explained that as FOXOFF® Fox Baits contained 1080, landholders were obliged to have completed a Farm Chemical Users Course and have a current 'ACUP' before obtaining baits from selected DPI officers in the state. He said that DEN-CO-FUME® Cartridges did not requires such permits and are available over the counter from leading rural resellers.
Help to lure them in
Another tool for the fight against foxes and wild dogs is the newly commercialised synthetic lure FeralMone™. Available in 150g aerosol cans FeralMone™ Spray Attractant is designed to assist with baiting and trapping programmes. Each can contains enough to treat 300 bait or trap sites. The FeralMone Project is a partnership between Pestat P/L, Australian Wool Innovation and distributed by Animal Control Technologies.
