Fox control

Two foxes in a green field standing behind a wire fence

Fox control in Victoria

Foxes are one of Australia’s most serious pest animals and are estimated to cost the environment and economy $28 million a year.

Red foxes have been identified as the primary cause in the decline and extinction of many small and medium-sized rodents and marsupial species. They also cause significant losses to farmers by preying on livestock such as newborn lambs, kid goats and poultry.

Foxes are classified as established pest animals under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994.

This means landowners have a legal responsibility to take all reasonable steps to control them.

Fox control methods

Red foxes are widespread throughout Victoria. Fox control is most successful when it involves a combination of control methods and is applied across a large area.

Rabbits can make up a large part of the fox’s diet, for this reason it is important to consider rabbit control programs in conjunction with your fox control program. Controlling foxes without also controlling rabbits can lead to an increase in rabbit numbers.

It's important to work with your neighbours and the wider community to ensure everyone is taking steps to control foxes.

Be aware that native wildlife may also use fox habitat, so ensure that your fox control program doesn't adversely affect them.

Fox control techniques

The most commonly used fox control techniques are lethal baiting, shooting, trapping, den fumigation and exclusion fences.

Lethal baiting

Lethal baiting is considered to be the most effective method of fox control currently available. However, not all poisons are humane and non-target animals can also be exposed to poisons.

Baiting programs are most effective when done twice a year. This causes maximum disruption to both the breeding (late winter/spring) and migration (autumn) stages of the fox’s life cycle.

1800 (sodium monofluoroacetate)

This is considered the most efficient, humane and species-specific pesticide available. It can be incorporated into fresh, dried or processed meat baits.

PAPP (Para-aminopropiophenone)

Developed as an alternative to 1080 poison and is subject to the same restrictions. Dogs and foxes are highly susceptible to PAPP and die in a shorter time than if they ingested 1080.

Levels of this poison residue in a carcass are sufficiently low to prevent secondary poisoning by a scavenging non-target animal. Should poisoning occur, Methylene blue is an effective antidote if administered within 30 minutes of a non-target animal ingesting a bait.

More information

For more information about how and when to use poison see the Agriculture Victoria website.

Shooting

Shooting can be a humane method of destroying foxes if it’s done by an experienced, skilled and responsible shooter. Head shots are the preferred point of aim and wounded foxes must be located and dispatched as quickly as possible.

If lactating vixens are shot, reasonable efforts should be made to find dependent cubs and kill them quickly and humanely.

Fumigation

Carbon monoxide is the only registered fumigant for foxes. It kills via oxygen depletion leading to unconsciousness and death without pain or discomfort.

When fumigating a natal den, cubs must be over 4 weeks old in order to ensure a rapid death.

Trapping

Traps have the potential to cause injury and distress and should only be used when no practical alternative exists.

Cage traps cause fewer injuries than traps that restrain an animal. More importantly, if non-target animals are caught in a cage trap they can be released unharmed.

Leg hold traps can cause serious injuries to both target and non-target animals.

Exclusion fences

Fencing can be useful to protect threatened wildlife and other animals.

It’s a humane way to mitigate the impact of foxes but it can be expensive and does not contribute to reducing fox numbers across the landscape.

Learn more on the Pestsmart website

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