Baiting is generally the most efficient and cost-effective way to reduce possum populations at scale. Professional pest control programmes typically use bait stations as the backbone of control, with traps used for follow-up or monitoring.

Traps remove individual animals and work well in small or targeted locations. Bait stations are used to control populations across larger areas. Most successful programmes use bait stations first, then traps as part of an integrated approach.

Bait stations allow large areas to be treated efficiently, reduce labour requirements, and provide controlled access to bait. This makes them suitable for long-term, professional pest management programmes. They are also a safer alternative to aerially applied bait.

Typical guidance recommends spacing possum bait stations around 100–150 metres apart, depending on terrain and habitat..

Professional bait stations are designed to securely contain bait and reduce non-target access. They are preferred over loose bait as part of responsible pest management. Most possum baits must legally be placed in a bait station, in accordance with label requirements.

Some vertebrate toxins require a Controlled Substance Licence (CSL), while others do not, such as Pestoff® and Pindone Possum & Rat Bait. Always check the product label before use.

For large areas, baiting offers a lower cost per hectare, broader coverage, and more consistent population reduction than trapping alone. Traps are typically used as a complementary tool. When the overall goal is predator free, not just low numbers, all tools — including bait — must be considered.

Automatic traps can be effective in specific situations, particularly where toxin-free control is preferred. However, bait stations remain the most practical option for broad-scale control. Automatic traps are expensive, so the cost per kill is typically much lower when baiting.

Rodents reproduce rapidly, so population control is essential. Bait stations are commonly used to achieve population knockdown, with traps used around buildings or sensitive areas. If traps are catching large numbers of rodents, this usually indicates a wider infestation, and baiting should be used to complement trapping.

Rodent bait stations are typically spaced around 50 metres apart, reflecting smaller home ranges.

Rabbit control is most effective when using an integrated management approach. Baiting is used to reduce populations, with trapping, ferreting, fumigation, burrow destruction, or fencing used for follow-up control.

Professional bait stations are more durable, weather-resistant, and suitable for long-term use, making them more effective for ongoing pest control programmes.

The two most common possum baits are Pestoff® Possum Pellets and Pindone Possum & Rat Bait. Pestoff® uses brodifacoum, a second-generation anticoagulant that is very effective but carries a higher risk of secondary poisoning. Pindone uses pindone, a first-generation anticoagulant that breaks down faster in the body and greatly reduces secondary poisoning risk. Use Pestoff® where maximum effectiveness is required and dogs are excluded. Use Pindone where pet safety is a priority. Always use bait inside a lockable possum bait station.

Choosing the right rodent bait depends on the level of activity, competing food sources, pet safety, and whether you need fast knockdown or long-term control. Below is a simple guide to help you select the best Philproof bait for controlling rats and mice.

FirstStrike Soft Bait – best all-round choice
Very high palatability and strong single-feed control. Ideal where rodents have plenty of other food (feed, grain, pet food, rubbish) and may ignore block baits. A great option for homes, sheds and farms when you want the bait rodents will choose first. Always use in a tamper-proof bait station.

Final (brodifacoum) – maximum knockdown power
Extremely strong single-feed anticoagulant for heavy infestations and tough rodent problems. Suited to rural blocks, lifestyle properties and industrial sites where you need fast, aggressive population knockdown. Secure bait stations are essential.

Pestoff and Storm blocks – strong professional block baits
High-strength single-feed block baits designed for indoor and outdoor use. Ideal around sheds, dairies, machinery sheds, garages and other farm buildings where durable, weather-resistant blocks are needed.

Contrac (bromadiolone) – balanced everyday bait
Strong but slightly less aggressive than brodifacoum, with very good palatability. A good everyday bait for homes, sheds and businesses, especially where pets are present but cannot access the bait stations.

Ditrac (diphacinone) – slower multi-feed option
Requires multiple feeds to be effective, but useful for ongoing maintenance and low-level rodent activity. A good option where a slower-acting bait is acceptable as part of a longer-term control programme.

Pindone – for possums and special situations
Mainly used for possum or rabbit control and not usually the first-choice rat bait, unless it is part of a specific control programme.

Quick guide:
Best chance rodents eat it first – FirstStrike Soft Bait.
Strongest knockdown – Final or Storm.
Strong and reliable – Pestoff or Contrac.
Maintenance / slow-feed – Ditrac.
Possums or rabbits – Pindone.

Pet safety: Always use tamper-proof Philproof bait stations for all rodent baits, never place bait loose where pets or livestock can reach it, and dispose of rodent carcasses promptly to reduce secondary risks.

Rabbits require rabbit-specific bait such as Pindone. Rodent and possum baits are not suitable. Rabbit bait must be used correctly and legally inside a purpose-designed rabbit bait station.

Use a rodent baffle to block possum access, secure the bait station firmly to the ground, and use rodent block bait fixed on internal spikes so bait cannot fall out if disturbed.

This can be difficult. Where possible, reduce possum pressure first by targeting possums using a separate possum bait station. If this is not practical, secure the rabbit bait station to the ground or a fence. Dig a shallow furrow approximately 100 mm deep in front of the bait station entrance to allow rabbit access while discouraging possums.

Yes. Philproof stocks replacement bait spikes, spacers, clips and other components. These can be ordered from the website under Bait Station Parts & Spares. A fitting video is also available on the Philproof YouTube channel.