The Rodenator R3
Concussive Force Technology
Rabbit Warren destruction through concussive force
The Rodenator is a great way to reduce and control rabbit infestation through warren destruction.
Using a controlled mixture of LPG and oxygen that is injected into the rabbit warrens, a built-in, self contained ignition system then ignites the mixture, creating an underground shockwave and concussive force that instantly destroys the warren and collapses tunnels. The Rodenator R3 is a humane solution for warren destruction with instant results .
Background and development of the Rodenator R3
In 2010 Jensan Farm Services P/L imported an R1 RODENATOR UNIT from Meyer Industries IDAHO USA to include in their integrated approach to Rabbit Management, the R1 Unit proved unsuitable for our Australian conditions, failed the safety requirements and did not perform to the level needed for our complex rabbit warrens. The USA model was only designed to deliver up to 1 minute of 2% LPG with 98% OXYGEN and their burrows were for small rodents only like Moles, Rats and Voles.
Phil Sansom, Director and Managing Partner with Ballarat based Jensan Farm Services P/L travelled to the USA in July 2011 to meet with Ed Meyer of Rodenator USA, with a proposal for a joint venture to design a Concussive Force unit suited for Australia and other countries where rabbits utilised complex warren systems. The brief included Remote Detonation, Improved Flashback Safety, Compact Size and capable of delivery up to 6 minutes of LPG / OXYGEN Flow, and a prototype was produced in October of 2011. Phil revisited the USA, and following testing there, returned to Victoria with the Prototype and continued the evaluation.
Once the testing here was completed and several design changes were implemented the Global launch of the R3 Unit took place in 2012. NSW Local Land Services purchased multiple units for their regional depots and conducted demonstration days with Jensan Farm Services in the following months, attracting huge interest. Parks Victoria, PIRSA South Australia, Farmers and Contractors in all States adopted the R3 as part of their Rabbit Management approach, the R3 was also released in the USA, UK, EU and NZ with immediate success.
The USA manufacturer ceased operations during this difficult period and supply of the R3 units was immediately impacted, despite another USA business acquiring the R3 operations they did not follow through as anticipated; our UK distributor did accept the challenge and launched their equivalent R3 unit in 2024, these are now selling well in Australia and exceeded our expectations in quality and performance.
Scientific Testing and Approval
Following interest from Parks Victoria in the Humane impacts of Concussive Force, Jensan Farm Services P/L convened a meeting with a range of Victorian State Government departments, including the Bureau of Animal Welfare, and a Federal Government grant of $55.000 was approved for an independent scientific study. The project went to the Vertebrate Pest Research Unit NSW DPI in Orange NSW, the work was conducted in 2013 – 2014 by Dr Steve Mcleod DPI and Dr Trudy Sharp DPI – PestSmart. Their results were submitted to the CSIRO for Peer Review and were released to the public in 2022 [ Wildlife Research Article ]. The R3 was included in the PestSmart Humane Matrix in 2017, and it remains the most Humane treatment apart from shooting the head or heart.
Following the initial launch significant work programs were undertaken particularly in NSW from 2013 as they were experiencing a rabbit plague across the southern districts, Jensan Farm Services P/L undertook an intensive program at Mungo National Park with their equipment and another from NSW LLS resulting with over 900 warrens destroyed, this was following a successful 1080 baiting program on that 10.000 hectare section also completed by Jensan Farm Services P/L , Mungo NP is a significant Indigenous Heritage and Culturally significant location, the R3 Unit was evaluated by Aboriginal NP Staff and received approval for use in areas where Ripping was not allowed, a new opportunity and direction was immediately introduced.
Traditional Owners – Aboriginal Youth Initiative.
A program was launched by Jensan Farm Services P/L to involve the Indigenous communities in Northern Victoria and NSW in setting up contracting businesses , an arrangement with TAFE Education facilities enabled a 3 day training course to be undertaken , in the years following the Mungo NP approval over 150 indigenous participants attended the program with some joining NSW NP and Parks Vic as field staff , a number of Co-Ops added rabbit management to their core business and in addition included baiting , fumigation , shooting and fencing to the R3 use.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR VICTORIAN USERS
In 2020 the Victorian Government announced their new Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Legislation, Jensan Farm Services P/L were notified that the R3 was under review , given the favourable CSIRO Published Scientific Report, the endorsement for use in Heritage and Cultural Indigenous sites, the PestSmart Humane Matrix and approval from the other States we were confident that the POCTA review would be supportive.
Jensan Farm Services P/L requested a meeting with the POCTA steering committee to confirm the R3 use and acceptance, the meeting held at a DPI facility in Melbourne was at best a challenge in common-sense.
The POCTA directive approves the R3 Unit for Warren Destruction but requires the rabbit warren to be cleared of rabbits prior to an R3 implosion. This means in Victoria a less Humane method has to be used to control the rabbits , these could include baiting, fumigation, ferreting and as a follow up to ripping. Shooting is still the most humane method and can be included in the clearing of warrens. Destroying derelict warrens following a biological control such as Myxo or RHD virus is another opportunity.
This change in use was rejected by the scientific community in NSW, however the change in use is a legal requirement in Victoria and is an approved method for warren destruction.
NO OTHER AUSTRALIAN STATES HAVE RESTRICTIONS PRIOR TO USING THIS TECHNOLOGY
INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT
When conducting a rabbit management program, the R3 Unit and or Ripping should be a key component as destruction of the warren system is the main contributor to long term control, Baiting, Fumigation, Exclusion Fencing, Ferreting, Shooting and Habitat / Cover Removal are all valuable options that should be utilised.
ACCREDITATION
All R3 Unit operators undertake training, they receive an Accreditation Certification AHCMON305 – Operate Specialised Machinery and Equipment.
For advice on all aspects of Pest and Feral Animal Management please contact us.
Contact Us
Jensan Farm Service P/L
Phil Sansom: 0418532808
jensanfarmservices@gmail.com
