Foxes

Effective fox control actions for properties over five hectares who are having issues with foxes attacking stock include:

• Remove food sources – Secure rubbish, clean up pet food, fallen fruit, and control rodents and weeds to reduce fox attraction.
• Guardian animals – Use trained dogs, alpacas, or donkeys to protect livestock where suitable.
• Modify habitat – Block fox dens, remove debris, and trim low vegetation to prevent shelter and breeding.
• Den fumigation – Carbon monoxide fumigation can eliminate active dens, ideally in spring to early summer, using qualified contractors.
• 1080 baiting – Highly effective when carefully planned and regulated; most successful in spring and autumn.
• Shooting – Can target localised problems when done by trained, responsible shooters following regulations.

Effective fox control for properties over five hectares with foxes impacting native wildlife includes:

• Remove food sources – Secure rubbish, pet food, fallen fruit, and control rodents and weeds.
• Modify habitat – Block dens, remove debris, and trim low vegetation.
• Den fumigation – Use carbon monoxide cartridges in spring to early summer with qualified contractors, away from buildings.
• 1080 baiting – Follow regulations and use approved methods in spring and autumn. Book a Stewardship Officer for guidance.
• Shooting – Humane for localised problems when done by trained shooters.

Consider wider impacts: feral cats may move in if foxes are removed, so monitor wildlife and plan carefully.

Effective fox control for properties over five hectares with foxes affecting infrastructure includes:

• Remove food sources – Secure rubbish, pet food, fallen fruit, and control rodents and weeds.
• Modify habitat – Block dens, remove debris, trim low vegetation, cover exposed pipes, and consider fox lights or motion-activated sprinklers.
• Den fumigation – Use carbon monoxide cartridges in spring to early summer with qualified contractors, away from buildings.
• Shooting – Humane for localised problems when done by trained shooters.
• Trapping – Cage traps may catch individual foxes but are not suitable for large-scale control. Must be checked regularly and handled humanely.
• 1080 baiting – Highly effective when carefully planned and regulated, in spring and autumn. Methods include Canid Pest Ejectors and meat baits. Book a Stewardship Officer for guidance.

A coordinated approach using the right methods at the right time helps protect fences, buildings, and other infrastructure from fox damage.

• Fencing and barriers – Use fox-proof fencing to keep foxes out of protected areas.
• Remove food sources – Secure rubbish, clean up pet food and fallen fruit, and control rodents and weeds.
• Modify habitat – Block fox dens, remove debris, and trim low vegetation to reduce shelter and breeding sites.
• Guardian animals – Trained dogs, alpacas, or donkeys can help protect livestock.
• Den fumigation – Carbon monoxide fumigation can eliminate active dens safely with qualified contractors.
• 1080 baiting – Highly effective in spring and autumn when planned and used in line with regulations.
• Trapping – Cage traps may catch individual foxes and must be checked regularly and handled humanely.
• Shooting – Humane for localised problems when carried out by trained shooters.

• Fencing and barriers – Use fox-proof fencing to keep foxes out of poultry enclosures and protected areas.
• Remove food sources – Secure rubbish, clean up pet food and fallen fruit, and control rodents and weeds to avoid attracting foxes.
• Modify habitat – Block dens, remove debris, trim low vegetation, and use deterrents like fox lights to reduce shelter and breeding sites.
• Guardian animals – Trained dogs, alpacas, or donkeys can help protect poultry. Small, level paddocks are easier to defend.
• Den fumigation – Carbon monoxide fumigation can eliminate active dens, ideally in spring to early summer, using qualified contractors.
• Trapping – Cage traps may catch individual foxes and must be checked regularly and handled humanely.
• Shooting – Humane for localised problems when carried out by trained shooters.

• Remove food sources – Secure rubbish, clean up fallen fruit, control weeds, rodents, and rabbits, and bury carcasses. House poultry in sturdy, roofed enclosures when unattended.
• Modify habitat – Improve native habitat, remove debris, block dens, trim low vegetation, and manage weeds to reduce shelter and breeding sites.
• Den fumigation – Carbon monoxide fumigation can eliminate active dens in spring to early summer. Ensure dens are not used by native wildlife and use qualified contractors.
• Fencing and barriers – Use fox-proof fencing to keep foxes out of sensitive areas.
• Trapping – Cage traps may catch individual foxes; check regularly and handle humanely.
• Shooting – Humane for localised problems when done by trained shooters following regulations.
• 1080 baiting with Canid Pest Ejectors – Most effective in spring and autumn; follow regulations and approvals, and consult a Stewardship Officer for guidance.

Consider wider impacts: feral cats may move in if foxes are removed, so monitor wildlife and plan carefully.

• Fencing and barriers – Use fox-proof fencing to keep foxes out of protected areas. Block gaps and consider electrified wires for extra protection
• Remove food sources – Secure rubbish, pet food and fallen fruit; control rodents, rabbits and weeds to avoid attracting foxes
• Modify habitat – Block fox dens, remove debris, trim low vegetation, cover exposed pipes and consider deterrents like fox lights or motion-activated sprinklers
• Den fumigation – Carbon monoxide fumigation can eliminate active dens in spring to early summer. Ensure dens are not used by wildlife and use qualified contractors
• Shooting – Humane for localised problems when done by trained shooters following regulations
• Trapping – Cage traps may catch individual foxes; must be checked regularly and handled humanely. Steel-jawed traps and snares are prohibited