Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) are among the most destructive invasive pests in Western Australia. Their rooting, wallowing, and aggressive feeding behaviours cause serious damage to agriculture, water sources, native vegetation, and biodiversity. They’re also known vectors of disease and a growing threat to biosecurity in both farming and natural environments.

Under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007, feral pigs are a declared pest, and landholders are expected to take action to manage populations where feasible.

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🛠️ Integrated Feral Pig Control Methods

Effective control of feral pigs in WA involves combining multiple strategies to reduce numbers, disrupt breeding, and prevent re-establishment.

1. Ground Shooting

Targeted shooting by licensed pest controllers is a fast and humane method to reduce small populations or to mop up survivors after baiting.

It’s most effective:

• During drought or seasonal feed shortages
• Around watering points, crops, and wallows
• At night using thermal or night vision equipment

At Resting Reds, we specialise in ground-based shooting using thermal optics and low-noise precision rifles to minimise disturbance.

2. Baiting

1080 baiting is a cost-effective broadscale control method, especially for inaccessible terrain or large infestations. However:

• It requires DPIRD approval and appropriate training/licensing
• Bait sites must be monitored to avoid risks to non-target species

3. Trapping

Corral or silo-style pig traps can be highly effective, especially when pre-feeding routines are established. Trapping is often used in combination with ground shooting to target wary animals.

4. Fencing (Exclusion Zones)

In high-value cropping or sensitive conservation areas, feral-proof fencing can prevent pig access. Fencing is a high-cost option and best used in strategic zones.

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🧬 Biosecurity & Environmental Impact

Feral pigs:

• Destroy pastures, uproot seedlings, and contaminate waterholes
• Kill lambs and consume grain and feed supplies
• Spread weeds, pathogens, and disease (e.g. leptospirosis, swine brucellosis)
• Threaten native wildlife, turtle nests, frogs, and ground-nesting birds

They can also interfere with biodiversity recovery and carbon farming efforts by disturbing soil and native regrowth.

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🐗 Legal and Ethical Considerations

Pig control in WA must be conducted in line with:

• The Code of Practice for the Humane Control of Feral Pigs (PestSmart Toolkit)
• The Animal Welfare Act 2002 (WA)
• Relevant chemical use and firearm licensing laws

Landholders engaging professional contractors should ensure operators are licensed, insured, and experienced with vertebrate pest control protocols.

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📞 Need Help With Feral Pig Management?

Resting Reds – Fauna Services provides licensed, ethical, and effective feral pig control across WA.

Whether you’re facing grazing losses, erosion around water sources, or damage to native bushland, we tailor a control plan to suit your land and your goals.

📞 Call 0450 303 434 or message us to discuss a site assessment.