Feral Pig Managment

So You Think You Have Pigs?

A clear, practical guide for Esperance landholders to safely and effectively manage feral pigs.

 

🐗 Step‑by‑Step Guide to Feral Pig Control

1. Keep Them Calm — Do NOT Chase Them

  • This is the most important step.

  • Avoid shooting or chasing pigs, especially when there is more than one.

  • Disturbance makes pigs shy, harder to control, and less likely to return to feeding sites.

2. Contact the Esperance Biosecurity Association

📧 eba.wilddog@outlook.com

We will support you through the process and coordinate next steps.

3. Complete 1080 Online Training (if needed)

  • If you haven’t completed the 1080 training in the last 5 years, you must redo it.

  • Visit the DPIRD website and scroll to the bottom of the page under Registered pesticide permits to possess and use S7 pesticides.

4. Apply for Your 1080 Property Permit

  • List the EBA’s Licensed Pest Management Technician (LPMT) as a Registered User and Supplier.

  • We can assist you with the application.

5. Start Feeding the Pigs

Find the site they are visiting and begin consistent feeding.

Feeding Tips

  • Use good‑quality grain — pigs won’t eat mouldy or poor‑quality feed.

  • Feed daily at the same time.

  • Leave slightly more grain than they consume to encourage additional pigs.

  • Use cameras to monitor numbers and behaviour.

Once the same number of pigs attend for 3–5 consecutive days, you can prepare for baiting.

6. Coordinate with the EBA for 1080 Baiting

We will arrange for the LPMT to mix the required bait.

You will need:

  • The number of pigs in the group.

  • How much grain they have been consistently eating.

7. Put Out the Bait

Follow all permit conditions and safety requirements.

8. Monitor the Site

This is the second most important step.

  • Continue putting out grain.

  • Monitor for missed pigs or new herds.

9. Dispose of carcasses

Key principles:

  • Depth: Deep enough to prevent scavenging and minimise odour.

  • Location:

    • Avoid waterways, flood‑prone areas, and shallow water tables.

    • Choose stable soil that won’t collapse or leach.

  • Number of carcasses: Plan pits to avoid overcrowding and ensure complete coverage.

  • Timing: Dispose of carcasses as soon as possible to reduce disease and pest attraction

⚠️ Why Not Trap or Shoot?

  • Trapping often teaches pigs to associate human scent with danger.

  • Shooting is only effective once 99.9% of pigs have already been controlled through baiting.

Need Help?

The Esperance Biosecurity Association is here to support you through every step of feral pig control.

📧 eba.wilddog@outlook.com

Together, we can protect our farms, environment, and community.