Rabbits can become a serious problem on farms, lifestyle blocks and rural properties. While seeing one or two rabbits may not seem concerning, populations can increase quickly and the damage can become much more noticeable over time.

Pasture Damage

Rabbits compete directly with livestock for grazing. They feed heavily on grass and other vegetation, reducing the amount of usable pasture available for stock.

DOC estimates that around 7–10 rabbits can consume approximately the same amount of pasture as one ewe. On properties with larger rabbit populations, this can quickly become a considerable amount of lost grazing.

Damage to Trees and Gardens

Rabbits will feed on young trees, seedlings, gardens, shelter belts and other low-growing vegetation.

Newly planted trees can be particularly vulnerable. Rabbits may repeatedly browse new growth or damage the lower sections of young plants, slowing establishment or killing them altogether.

Burrowing and Soil Damage

Rabbit warrens and burrowing can also damage the land itself. High rabbit populations can reduce vegetation cover and disturb soil, increasing the risk of erosion.

This can be particularly problematic on banks, hillsides and other erosion-prone areas.

Rabbit Numbers Can Increase Quickly

One of the biggest problems with rabbits is how quickly their population can recover. Rabbits have a high reproductive rate, meaning a relatively small problem can develop into a much larger infestation if left uncontrolled.

Reducing rabbit numbers while populations are still low is generally easier than waiting until significant damage is already occurring.

Rabbits Don't Stay Within Property Boundaries

Rabbit control can also be affected by neighbouring properties. Even after rabbits have been controlled on one property, rabbits from surrounding land can gradually move back into the area.

For properties with ongoing rabbit pressure, monitoring and continued control may therefore be required rather than relying on a single treatment.

Rabbit Control

Guardian Pest Control provides rabbit control for farms, lifestyle blocks and rural properties throughout the Wellington region.

The appropriate control method depends on the property, rabbit population, terrain and surrounding risks. An inspection allows us to assess the problem and recommend the most suitable approach.

‍