General News
9 June, 2024
Barry's Corner: Pest management
Sometimes we have a developing pest problem, or there might have been one right from the start.
Many pests spring from a handful of species.
The next time you check there are lots munching away on your grass or trees.
Kangaroos are like that.
There will be two or three in the back paddock, then it seems suddenly the numbers have exploded and there is a noticeable problem.
This can be caused by not taking action earlier.
Not many people are unhappy to have a roo hanging around, but when the numbers get out of kilter action needs to be taken.
Can it be solved?
Start by checking the fencelines, because roos can leap a significant barrier but would
prefer to scratch a little furrow so they can slide underneath.
The wider problem with this is that it gives access to the paddock to other animals such as rabbits and dingoes.
Dealing with these issues takes time and probably dollars but they nevertheless need attention.
Checking a back fence can take a chunk out of the day but rabbits absorb dollars.
It comes with the territory: if you live near the sea there will be salt-laden winds to cause damage to motorcars or the house and garden, if you live near much bushland there could be a fire now and again, next to a railway line the noise can keep you awake, next to an old volcano there will rocks everywhere, near a wetland will see shooters tramping over your paddocks.
It really depends where you live on what sort of pests are there waiting to annoy you.
It's impossible to live a closeted lifestyle with no problems testing your resolve.
Idylic locations have problems all of their own.
Dingoes are a hazard.
Good fences, Maremma dogs, cameras and alpacas have been tried.
Shepherds is the old way but might be useful to some.
We should be thinking about how to keep livestock and dingoes apart but there should be no plan that eradicates this small population by legal or other ways.