Message Board - Cricket: Nets and Rabbits
5 Jul 2009 by Cricket11
Reading two recent ‘post’ under separate headings felt it appropriate to start a new subject linking the two.
We have recently had a new 'two bay' net system built for us by ‘Pinnacle’ Sports and very happy we are. Unfortunately so are the local rabbit population - who just love the new netting.
We did not clock what was happening for a week after the nets were hung (due to them not being used during some poor weather) and despite telling members to hang the nets up after use this does not always happen. The result as seen in the picture attached. There is hardly one section of netting not damaged, the furry darlings having added it to their diet.
The rabbits are being dealt with – but it will take time as the Country Park we are situated is over-run by them this year and while numbers will be reduced there will still be plenty left.
To say that we are not amused is an understatement. Any one ever encountered this problem before? Any suggestions for example what we could spray the netting with?
Our old net area was in the same position and did not suffer this problem!
6 Jul 2009 by wicketdevil
we have had exact same problem, we have now got a net system that allows us to pull the nets out of the way. And we have got the teachers to put the nets back and we have tied a bin to each post to keep the nets safe from the rabbits. WD
Can you just is the longest sentence in the world !!!!!!!
6 Jul 2009 by EDS
I've had the same problem and am also open to advice as to what the best remedy is.
I thought about putting an 18" "strip" of HD Tarp around the bottoms to protect the netting - some netting systems come with this on already and may well work?
Wish we too hadn't underestimated their hunger for netting !
Still Learning
6 Jul 2009 by widdywoo
We had a similar problem with hedgehogs getting tangled in the mesh. They didn't damage it, but I had to cut it to free them - as the more I tried to untangle them, the tighter they rolled into a ball! 
"I'm cheap, and nought but fashion; fling me away."
6 Jul 2009 by Andrew Beddoes Last edited 6 Jul 2009
There is a product called Rezist, it is a taste aversion spray that would work well in this situation, the product can be used alongside your normal control method Rezist will repel the rabbits and most other mammals from an area with no damage to grass etc. It works with moles also.
Rezist is a pro only use so the PA1 and PA2 certificate will be required to purchase, however there is an amateur version.
6 Jul 2009 by Cricket11
Andrew can you tell me more about the Rezist product. What does the 'amateur' version trade as and do you know where it can be purchased?
On arriving at ground this morning found nets down and more damage (if that's possible). Unbelievable but some of our net users can't be bothered hanging them up - (well it was raining the excuse offered).
Not just the rabbits that need shooting!!! One of our members on finding a rabbit trapped in the nets last week had to cut it out so he could release it. "It was 'traumatized' according to him.
Not as much as I was when I found out mind!
6 Jul 2009 by jlawrence
not half as traumatised as the member will be when you hand him the bill to replace the netting he cut.
It's amazing how many members think the facilities they use just appear out of nowhere.
Of course there's no bounce, bend your back and put some bloody effort in.
6 Jul 2009 by Fullback
Just to look at the problem from another angle: if you speak to Defra, they will confirm that the owners of the land on which the rabbits are burrowing have a legal duty to eradicate them. Note-they must eradicate them. As you seem to know who the landowner is, and if you can find the burrows, Defra will help you, and they say they will force action if you get nowhere.
6 Jul 2009 by jlawrence
Fullback, as Cricket11 says the rabbits are being dealt with but it will take time. I think what he's looking for is a solution in the short term whilst the measures the landowner is taking take effect.
I think he's actually got the best idea - raise the nets out of the way when no one is using them. Now all he needs is to educate the members to make it happen - a couple of bogus bills for damage should drive home how much these things cost and members start paying a bit more attention if they think it will hit them in the pocket.
Of course there's no bounce, bend your back and put some bloody effort in.
6 Jul 2009 by white wickets
I had the same problem last season, we noticed that the rabbits were going through the nets to get to the outfield. So what we did was to cut 8x4 sheets of marine ply down the middle (making 8x2 sheets), covering one side with astro turf and then putting these around the outside edge of the nets a bit like a hockey goal back board. Its worked really well and have had no problems since.
9 Jul 2009 by vid
Any one interested in a solution to this pm me
Back to Top - Go to Next Unread Message
This Message is closed, you may not post a reply at this time
