Humane Rabbit Burrow Removal with the Rodentator R3

The Rodenator R3 is a specialist, purpose-built system used to remove rabbit warrens by delivering a precise concussive blast into burrow networks. The blast collapses tunnels and chambers, humanely killing rabbits within the warren without the use of poisons or long-lasting chemicals.

Because it targets the warren itself, the Rodenator R3 is fast and highly effective at preventing rabbits from simply re-using burrows — reducing the need for repeated surface treatments. It must be operated by trained, experienced technicians who carry out a full site assessment, ensure safety buffers and local approvals are met.

At GroundForce Vermin Solutions we use the Rodenator R3 as our primary rabbit-warren treatment because it is non-toxic, efficient and, when used correctly, one of the most practical ways to protect crops, pasture and native habitat from ongoing rabbit damage The system uses a lightweight, durable unit with remote detonation, allowing operators to safely ignite the gas from a distance.

We use a precise mixture of 3% propane and 97% oxygen. This is injected into the tunnel for a predetermined amount of time depending on size. When this gas mixture is detonated by the Rodenator, the gasses rapidly expand inside the tunnel, creating a underground shockwave that collapses the tunnel system. The concussive force of this eliminates any rabbits still occupying the warren immediately and humanely. The rodenator does not EXplode, it IMplodes which leaves minimal disurbance to the surface.

No. Propane and oxygen are not considered poisons.

The Rodenator R3 injects a fuel–air charge into the burrow and detonates it within the warren, so the force is largely directed inward to collapse tunnels rather than as an outward surface blast. That inward (implosive) effect greatly reduces above-ground disturbance compared with heavy machinery during burrow ripping. All treatments are performed by trained operators who follow safety and local regulatory requirements. Our John Deere Gator, fitted with turf tyres, provides reliable, low-impact access across paddocks and sensitive grassy areas. The wide, soft-profile tyres distribute weight to reduce turf damage and prevent ripping, letting us transport the Rodenator R3 and equipment onto site while minimising disturbance to grass, soil and vegetation.

We utilize a custom-designed smoke generator that produces a harmless, highly visible smoke by heating baby oil. This ensures all burrow exits are located quickly and safely prior to treatment with the Rodenator R3.

GroundForce Vermin Solutions is located in Langwarrin and delivers specialist rabbit and pest-control services primarily to clients across the Mornington Peninsula Shire, City of Frankston, City of Casey, Cardinia Shire, Bass Coast Shire and adjacent districts. If you are outside this area please get in touch to discuss whether we can help.

Rabbits are one of Australia’s most damaging introduced pests. Just 24 Rabbits were introduced to Australia by European settlers in 1859, their rapid breeding, burrowing and grazing has transformed large areas of agricultural and native landscapes.

In Victoria especially, rabbits prevent vegetation regeneration, damage crops and pastures, and contribute to erosion and habitat loss.

Rabbits cost Australian agriculture an estimated $206 million in production losses each year.

Rabbits compete with native wildlife for food and shelter, ringbark and browse native plants, and prevent seedling regeneration.

At least 156 threatened species may be adversely affected by rabbit-driven competition and land degradation; as such rabbit impacts are listed as a Key Threatening Process under Commonwealth legislation.

Rabbits are prolific breeders. Under favourable conditions, a single female can be responsible for around 180 new rabbits in a year — a key reason coordinated and sustained local control is necessary to prevent rapid population expansion.

The European red fox was introduced to Australia in the 1850's by European settlers for recreational hunting.

Foxes are a major threat to Australian wildlife, having contributed to the decline and extinction of at least 20 native species, and placing over 100 more at risk. They have been listed as a Key Threatening Process under Australia's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC) which is a commonwealth legislation.

Foxes also prey on lambs, poultry and small livestock. They spread diseases such as hydatidosis and mange which can cause a significant economic cost to agriculture. It is estimated that around $227 million is lost each year due to fox predation on livestock and control measures. This cost includes losee of livestock and ongoing costs of management programs such as baiting, shooting and exclusion fencing.

Fox control is vital for protecting both biodiversity and farming.

Feral cats are one of Australia’s most damaging invasive predators. Brought here by early European settlers, they have spread across almost the entire continent, from deserts to rainforests.

They prey on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians — killing an estimated 1.5 billion native animals every year. Feral cats have contributed to more than 20 mammal extinctions in Australia, making them one of the single greatest threats to native wildlife. According to the EPBC feral cats are currently a direct threat to more than 120 threatened species.

Because of their wide distribution and stealthy behaviour, feral cats are extremely difficult to control, and are recognised nationally as a Key Threatening Process to biodiversity.

Their impact also extends to agriculture, where they can spread diseases such as toxoplasmosis, which causes stock losses in sheep and goats.

A national assessment in 2019 estimated the cost of feral cats to Australian agriculture at about $12 million per year, mostly from sheep losses due to toxoplasmosis.

Compared with rabbits ($227m annually), feral cats are less costly in dollar terms to farmers, but their ecological damage is far greater.

To contact us please call 0412 920 308. We don't have a generic contact form or use emails as to give quotes we need to get alot of different details so we can understand better exactly which services would suit your area.