Professional Rabbit Control Services in the UK

Rabbits may appear harmless and even cute, but in the UK they are considered one of the most destructive agricultural pests. Their extensive burrowing damages land, weakens infrastructure, and leads to collapsed roads and embankments. Crops, gardens, and landscaped areas can also suffer heavily from rabbit grazing. At Shire Pest Solutions, we offer tailored rabbit control services to help protect your property, farmland, and business from these persistent pests.

Understanding Rabbits and Their Behaviour

Rabbits live in large social groups and create extensive underground tunnel systems known as warrens. These burrows not only cause damage to fields and structures but also allow populations to multiply rapidly. A single pair of rabbits can produce multiple litters in a year, leading to exponential growth if left unchecked.

What Do Rabbits Eat?

Rabbits primarily feed on vegetation, including grasses, crops, and garden plants. Their constant grazing habits can devastate farmland and landscaped areas, especially during peak breeding seasons. This makes them a serious concern for both farmers and homeowners.

Where Do Rabbits Build Warrens?

Rabbits prefer open countryside, embankments, hedgerows, and areas with loose soil where digging is easier. Warrens can also be found along roadsides and in fields, where they weaken soil stability and increase the risk of ground collapse. Over time, these burrows can expand into complex networks housing dozens of rabbits.

Why Control Rabbits?

While rabbits are not aggressive, the damage they cause is extensive. Crop destruction leads to financial loss, while structural weakening from warrens poses risks to livestock, machinery, and even vehicles on rural roads. For landowners and farmers, effective rabbit control is essential to protect both property and livelihoods.

Do Rabbits Carry Diseases?

Yes — rabbits can carry zoonotic diseases, which can pass to humans, particularly those with weakened immune systems. The most notable include:

• Ringworm (Fungal Infection): Causes red, scaly lesions in humans and bald patches on rabbits. Spreads through direct contact.
• Pasteurella (Bacterial Infection): Known as “snuffles” in rabbits; can rarely transfer through bites or scratches to humans, causing swelling or abscesses.
• E. cuniculi (Internal Parasite): Affects over half of UK rabbits. May cause neurological or eye issues in rabbits. Generally low risk to healthy humans, but dangerous for those immunocompromised.
• External Parasites (Fleas & Mites): Cause irritation and fur loss in rabbits. Fleas may bite humans, leaving itchy red bumps.

Although not all rabbits will carry disease, it is important to remain vigilant, practise good hygiene, and seek veterinary or medical advice when needed.

How to Reduce the Risk of Rabbit-Related Problems

• Wash hands thoroughly after handling rabbits or cleaning their bedding
• Wear gloves when dealing with infected animals or contaminated areas
• Book regular vet check-ups for domestic rabbits
• Maintain garden and farmland to discourage rabbit settlement
• Inspect land for signs of new burrows or grazing damage

Why Professional Rabbit Control Is Essential

Rabbits breed rapidly and their burrows are difficult to tackle without expertise. At Shire Pest Solutions, we use proven control methods including shooting (night & thermal vision), gassing, trapping, and ferreting. Our technicians are fully trained to assess infestations and implement safe, effective solutions that comply with UK pest control regulations. Attempting to control rabbits without the right equipment or knowledge often proves ineffective and can even make the problem worse.

Professional Rabbit Control with Shire Pest Solutions

If you are struggling with rabbit damage, contact Shire Pest Solutions for professional help. Whether it’s crop destruction, unstable ground, or persistent burrowing on your land, our team has the technical knowledge and equipment to resolve the issue. We ensure long-term protection with strategies tailored to your property, giving you peace of mind that your land, crops, and infrastructure are secure.