Fox Control

Foxes are pests on various levels. Foxes are extremely smart and cunning creatures and Feralex takes great pride in capturing and removing them, helping prevent the harmful and costly damages they can cause.

Prior to beginning fox management operations, we carry out a full site evaluation, and present potential clients with a full, in-depth report on the problems, our recommended solutions and the full cost of our proposed services. We employ various technology to make our assessment, including motion sensing trail cameras.

The most humane methods

We use age old methods with modern equipment to ensure that foxes are caught in the least amount of time, but also in a humane and effective manner. Feralex uses soft catch (rubber jawed) foot hold traps*. The traps are set under the ground and natural gland, scent and food lures are applied to attract foxes to the set. All traps comply with DEPI (Department of Environment & Primary Industries) guidelines.

The amount of fox activity will determine the length of a trapping program and the number of traps required. The traps will be checked at intervals no longer than 24 hours apart. Generally, we prefer to check traps in the morning. With modern technology, you can also set up[ an MMS capable trail camera, to alert you to fox activity around the trap.

More information is available from DEPI: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/pest-animals/trapping-pest-animals/leghold-traps

*Any trapping of foxes MUST be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (POCTA) and associated regulations.

Licencing and approvals

We have current ministerial approval from the Minister for Agriculture, which is required for the use of foot hold traps on properties less than 1 acre in size. No approval is required where property size exceeds 1 acre.

Why integrated pest management techniques?

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a crucial part of fox control. As the term suggests "integrated" means a combination of fox removal, habitat removal, den destruction and the proofing of food sources such as chicken enclosures or any other food sources; rubbish bins or dumps.

Can't I just deal with them myself?

Without the right skills, training and licences, it may be illegal and inhumane for you to tackle your fox problem as an individual. DEPI has published the following important points:

• Effective fox control is best achieved by using a combination of control measures, not just one and by working across a landscape, involving the whole community, rather than just on individual properties.
• Be aware native wildlife may also be using fox harbour. Ensure your fox control program doesn't affect native wildlife.
• If any fox control work is to be undertaken which may result in disturbance of native vegetation, culturally significant areas and/or waterways, contact should be made with the responsible authorities prior to works being conducted. The responsible authorities may include Local government, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Aboriginal Affairs Victoria or the local Registered Aboriginal Party, and the local Catchment Management Authority.
• If you are planning to use dogs for pest animal control, be mindful that there are specific requirements for the use of dogs for hunting. Under Section 28 of the Domestic Animals Act 1994, a person must not set or urge a dog to attack, bite, rush at or chase any animal except when hunting in accordance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (POCTA). Refer to the POCTA Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals in Hunting for specific information on the use of dogs in hunting.
• If you are planning to use chemicals to treat foxes, all applicable requirements of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1992 and Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations 2007 must be met. This includes adhering to the directions for use on the chemical label, keeping the relevant chemical use records and only using 'restricted use chemicals' if you hold the required Agricultural Chemical User Permit or other relevant permit. Chemical use record sheets and further information regarding agricultural chemical use can be found on the DPI website on the Agricultural Chemical Use.

Foxes - Did You Know?

In Victoria red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are declared as established pest animals under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994.

Under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 land owners have a responsibility to take all reasonable steps to prevent the spread of, and as far as possible eradicate, established pest animals from their land.

In 2004 foxes were estimated to have an annual economic impact of over $227 million dollars nationally.

Whilst foxes are generally nocturnal, they are opportunistic feeders and are known to wipe out a yard full of chooks in broad daylight.

Don't encourage foxes to become pets by feeding them. It is illegal to keep or sell established pest animals such as foxes without a permit.