Cane growers are allowed to bait for rats from 1 October through to 30 June. However, there are a few things you need to consider in managing rats. The rats that cause most damage to cane, the ground rat (Rattus sordidus) and climbing rat (Melomys burtoni), are both native mammals and are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. Baits may be used as part of a management program under the conditions of an industrywide Damage Mitigation Permit, issued by the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection.
