​The European fox is widely distributed across Australia, occurring in 76% of the country. Having a high reproductive rate, few natural predators, and abundance of prey, they have been able to successfully establish and thrive in a range of habitats. This includes on the Bass Coast. Foxes are predominately carnivorous but are also opportunistic scavengers, and will eat things like carrion, fruit, and rubbish. The impact of foxes on our native fauna, in particular, small to medium sized mammals, birds, and reptiles, is significant.
 
Eradication of foxes from mainland Australia is near impossible, so we need to use long-term control methods to lessen their impacts. On your property, controlling foxes can protect your livestock, protect native wildlife, as well as reduce the risk of disease. An integrated, long-term control program will be effective at reducing these impacts.

Baiting using 1080 (sodium mono-fluoroacetate) is the most widespread method used for fox control. 1080 is restricted in Victoria - you must be authorised and trained in its use. 1080 is an effective bait for foxes and is used because many of our native animals have varying levels of tolerance to it. Methods such as shooting, den fumigation, and trapping are useful at a small localised scale for fox control. They are also useful in more peri-urban areas, where baiting is not a possibility. 

If you would like to inquire about fox control on your property, please fill out the form below.