Invercargill stop bank rabbit control
What’s the problem?
Through our annual stop bank assessment programme, we’ve noted that rabbits are damaging stop banks and retention dams. We need to protect these floodbanks from failing to protect the Southland community. Rabbit control needs to be undertaken before the spring when the population will increase.
What do I do if I see the contractors while I’m out and about?
Avoid the contractors, stay visible and do not hide.
What qualifications do these contractors have?
We’ve contracted experienced pest controllers. This team is police vetted.
The contractors are a professional organisation with several years’ experience carrying out this type of pest control work within town / city boundaries.
How do they identify rabbits (making sure they aren’t shooting someone’s pet cat)?
The contractors will be using thermal imaging to identify rabbits.
Is this part of a longer control programme?
This work is part of an initial assessment. Where we find high concentrations of rabbits, further control work may be needed to be carried out monthly.
Have the police been notified?
Police are notified prior to work commencing at the start and finish of each nights’ work.
When will the stop banks be fixed?
The stop banks will be fixed after the rabbit control has been completed during the summer.
What time will they be out?
The contractors will work between 6pm and 12am on the three nights they’re able to work (these three nights will be weather dependent).
What about the cemetery?
Cemeteries are Invercargill City Council (ICC) owned land and therefore it is their responsibility to carry out rabbit control. The ICC is planning rabbit control work in conjunction with Environment Southland at a future date to be decided.
Can I report rabbits near me?
Rabbit control is a landowner responsibility. If you spot rabbits on city council, district council or regional council land you should contact the appropriate council.