Controlling Pests in Dry Times

FEEDING and watering stock during the dry conditions is the priority, but it is also the optimal time to control pests advises the Hunter Local Land Services.

Luke Booth, biosecurity team leader for Local Land Services, said pigs and wild dogs are moving further afield for food and water.

“The only upside to drought conditions like we are seeing in parts of the Hunter Valley is the increased effectiveness of pest animal control programs,” said Luke Booth.

“As water runs out in the rougher timbered country, pest animals are moving out into more open country.

“This means landholders can conduct baiting programs in smaller areas, but still have a lot of success, because many pests are particularly susceptible under these conditions.”

The Hunter Local Land Services biosecurity team and encouraging landholders to join the control programme, report sightings (see details below) and discuss tailored support for their property.

“We are rolling out programs across the Upper Hunter continuously at the moment, to meet the increased demand for pest control assistance,” said Mr Booth.

“With limited feed and water supplies available we want to help landholders make sure their stock are not competing with, or being impacted by pest species, such as feral pigs, wild dogs and foxes.”

To report sightings:

• Contact the Upper Hunter biosecuirty team: Richard Ali: 0429 722 944 or Jonathon Randle: 0429342995 0429 342 995
• Visit the website: FeralScan
• Via the App: FeralScan on iTunes