Rabbits can be a serious problem for property owners in Newcastle, Sunderland, and Durham. They cause substantial damage to gardens, fields, and crops by digging burrows, destroying plants, and eating crops. If left unchecked, this can result in costly repairs. Wild rabbits also carry fleas and can transmit diseases like myxomatosis to domestic rabbits, furthering the need for professional control.
In the North East, landowners must take action to control rabbit populations under the Pests Act 1954. Many areas, including Newcastle, Sunderland, and Durham, are designated as Rabbit Clearance Areas, meaning landowners are legally obligated to manage the rabbit population to prevent damage to surrounding properties. Failure to act could lead to fines and penalties. Don’t wait for the damage to mount—get in touch with us for professional rabbit control.
Not sure if you have a rabbit problem? Look out for these signs:
Burrows and Holes: Rabbits dig extensive burrows (warrens), which can damage lawns, fields, and even cause structural issues.
Damaged Plants: Rabbits will eat a variety of vegetation, from garden plants to crops. They may also strip bark from trees in winter.
Trails and Droppings: Rabbits leave distinct trails and droppings as they mark their territory.
To ensure effective treatment, take these simple steps before our technicians arrive:
Clear Vegetation: Trim back tall grass and shrubs near rabbit burrows so they’re easier to spot.
Mark Burrows: Use markers like bamboo canes to clearly identify the location of rabbit holes.
Once the treatment is complete, maintaining control is key:
Keep Vegetation Short: Regularly mow around burrows to limit cover for rabbits.
Install Fencing: Consider rabbit-proof fencing to protect vulnerable areas of your property.
Gassing Aftercare: If gassing was used, leave burrows undisturbed for 24 hours, and keep pets away from treated areas.
At Pest Shield, we offer proven, effective rabbit control methods tailored to your needs:
Gassing: We place aluminium phosphide pellets in burrows to release phosphine gas, which is lethal to rabbits. This method is most effective in winter when rabbits are more likely to be underground. It’s not suitable for dry conditions or spring/summer when rabbits are more active above ground.
Trapping: Our live catch traps are ideal for areas where rabbits feed but don’t live permanently. Traps are checked daily, and captured rabbits are safely removed.
Shooting: In rural or less populated areas, we may use shooting as a control method, usually at dusk or dawn when rabbits are most active.
Lifespan: Wild rabbits can live up to 9 years, but their rapid reproduction makes population control a constant challenge.
Diet: Rabbits eat a wide range of plants, including crops, grasses, and tree bark in the winter.
Habitat: They live in burrows (warrens), which consist of a network of tunnels.
Reproduction: Rabbits breed year-round, with litters of 3 to 12 kits. They can become sexually mature as early as 4 months.
Myxomatosis: This disease was introduced to control the rabbit population, but rabbits have developed some resistance, causing an increase in numbers in recent years.
Don’t let rabbits ruin your property. Pest Shield offers reliable rabbit control services across Newcastle, Sunderland, and Durham to protect your home, garden, or agricultural land from the costly effects of rabbit damage.
Call us at 0191 7166647 or Contact Us for a free quote and consultation. Our expert team is ready to help with fast and effective solutions for your rabbit control needs.
Pest Control ServicesPEST-SHIELD provides expert pest control services in Newcastle, Sunderland, and Durham—keeping homes and businesses safe and pest-free.
For fast, reliable, and safe pest control solutions. Call us on 0191 7166647
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