Rabbit Proof Fencing
To stop rabbits entering areas such as gardens, wood/hay storage areas & house yards as well as larger paddocks rabbit proofing is proven.
Rabbit proof fencing is a one-off operation and should last for up to 20 years where maintenance is adequate.
Netting fencing may be judged to be a cost effective long term control method when compared with current costs of ongoing rabbit control works in rural/residential areas. It may be the only effective rabbit control option to contain rabbits in difficult terrain, or in situations where rabbit control by other techniques is difficult.
Exclusion Fencing involves constructing a fence around a rabbit-prone area to exclude rabbits. Ask for 'rabbit-proof fencing' when making enquiries as this is fencing material specifically designed for the purpose of excluding rabbits.
A minimum of 17cm of the fencing wire netting is buried in the ground, or the lower section of the wire netting is angled to lie on the ground facing in the direction of possible rabbit entry. The wire must be held down securely with pegs, rocks or timber. The remainder of the mesh must be securely fixed to a suitable support fence so that it reaches a minimum of 88cm above ground.
Fences are expensive and require regular maintenance to ensure there are no gaps. With proper maintenance, fences should last up to 20 years.
Baiting, ripping and fumigation works need to be completed before or after you have 'rabbit-proofed' your area. Well-built and well-maintained fences can keep properties free of rabbits once successfully treated.
One consequence of such fences is that the movement of some native animals may be limited by rabbit-proof fencing.
Minimum specifications:
- Use of '105 x 4 x 1.4' standard netting. That is 105cm width 4cm mesh diameter 1.4mm wire diameter.
- The support fence should be able to withstand stock or native animal forces.
- Rabbit netting should be fixed so that it reaches at least 88cm above the ground.
- Where netting is buried, it is buried to a minimum of 17cm
- Where netting is bent to lay on the ground surface, it must be held down with pegs, rocks or timber.
- Suitable rabbit-proof gates should be placed at all breaks in the fence.
