Rabbits are one of the most destructive introduced pests in Western Australia. For farmers, they don’t just represent a nuisance — they directly impact pasture quality, crop yields, land value, and infrastructure. Left unchecked, a rabbit infestation can spiral quickly, causing thousands of dollars in damage each season.
In this article, we’ll explore the true long-term cost of rabbits on farms, why DIY control rarely works, and how professional rabbit control — including warren excavation — offers a sustainable solution.
Why Rabbits Are a Serious Problem on WA Farms
Rabbits are prolific breeders and highly adaptive to both agricultural and semi-rural environments. Once they establish a warren, it becomes a base for ongoing population growth that damages the land in multiple ways:
- Pasture destruction – Competing with livestock for grass, especially during dry periods.
- Crop loss – Young plants and seedlings are especially vulnerable.
- Soil erosion – Their digging weakens topsoil and creates instability.
- Machinery risk – Burrows create hazards for tractors, vehicles, and livestock.
- Fence damage – Constant burrowing undermines boundary and internal fencing.
If you’re managing acreage, a farm, or even a vineyard on the outskirts of Perth, rabbits are more than just a pest — they’re a cost centre.
The Hidden Cost of Delay
Many landowners try to “wait out” the problem or use DIY deterrents, like baiting or fencing. But the cost of delaying proper rabbit pest management can be significant:
- Missed livestock gains due to reduced pasture growth
- Crop replanting costs
- Time lost to patchwork fencing or shallow burrow refilling
- Damage to irrigation and infrastructure from collapsed burrows
Each season you delay adds to both direct and indirect costs. Without removing the warrens, new generations continue to emerge — and surface treatments alone won’t stop them.
Why Urban Edge Uses Warren Excavation
At Urban Edge Wildlife Management, we specialise in full-service rabbit control across WA, and one of our most effective strategies is warren excavation. This method goes beyond surface-level shooting or baiting by physically destroying the burrow systems that allow rabbits to breed, hide, and return.
Here’s how it works:
- Site inspection – We identify active warrens and entry points.
- Ground shooting – We reduce surface rabbit numbers with licensed shooting methods.
- Excavation – We use machinery to dig out and destroy the warren network.
- Dogging out – Trained dogs may be used to clear remaining rabbits during excavation.
- Habitat prevention advice – We help reduce re-colonisation risks.
This approach delivers long-term success by breaking the breeding cycle — not just scaring rabbits away for a week.
Our Legal, Ethical, and Effective Approach
Urban Edge is fully licensed to perform ground shooting of rabbits in Perth and throughout WA. We follow strict WA regulations and prioritise humane, ethical methods in every job.
- All shooting is carried out by licensed firearm holders with pest control experience.
- Warren excavation is done with care, using machinery suited to your property.
- We also offer rabbit burrow removal to deal with shallower nests near buildings or sheds.
As a former WA Police Detective, our lead operator Regan Cally brings a disciplined and safety-first approach to every job — from start to finish.
Why DIY and Baiting Alone Isn’t Enough
A lot of farmers start with baiting — and while it may reduce numbers initially, it often leaves the deeper problem untouched. Rabbits avoid bait once they associate it with sickness, and if the warren is still intact, re-population happens fast.
Common DIY methods that fall short:
- Surface-level burrow filling (rabbits re-dig quickly)
- Non-target-safe baiting (risks to pets and livestock)
- Over-reliance on fencing (expensive and often ineffective)
Without warren destruction, you’re fighting symptoms — not the cause.
Trusted by WA Farmers
We’ve worked with farmers from Rockingham to Narrogin, and across the Perth hills and regional WA. Our results speak for themselves:
“After years of trying to handle it myself, I finally had Regan come out. One week later — no rabbits. The difference was the warren removal. Best investment I’ve made on the farm this year.”
— Michael H., Serpentine
We combine licensed shooting, machine excavation, and strategic planning to deliver reliable results. That’s what makes us leaders in rabbit control in WA.
Quick FAQ: Rabbit Control in WA
Q: Can I remove rabbit warrens myself?
Technically, yes — but it’s labour-intensive and often ineffective without machinery and expertise. We recommend using a professional for lasting impact.
Q: Do you work with small-acreage properties?
Yes. We work with 5-acre lifestyle blocks through to large farms.
Q: Is your work legal and insured?
Yes — we are fully licensed, insured, and operate within WA’s pest management guidelines.
Final Thoughts
Rabbit damage is one of the most underestimated threats to WA farms — and one of the most expensive to ignore. With the right tools, training, and tactical approach, it’s possible to solve the problem long-term. That’s exactly what we offer at Urban Edge Wildlife Management.
Call now to speak to WA’s trusted experts in rabbit control, warren excavation, and farm pest management.