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Now is an important time to be setting your backyard rat trap as birds are nesting and some already have vulnerable chicks.
It’s a really easy way for you to give some time to help a local cause, and you’ll soon see the benefits. Most people never see rats since they’re generally nocturnal, but they are there and our team of volunteers and backyard trappers remove thousands from the Coast each year.
Prepare your kit: Order your free, pet safe, humane tested rat trap from Pest Free Hibiscus Coast Project: www.forestandbird.org.nz/how-can-you-help-pfhc
You will also need: A cable tie and weed mat pin to fix it to the ground (so cats can’t drag the trap across the garden if you catch a rat), or to a horizontal tree branch. • Gloves, as rats urinate and can carry disease. • Some tasty lures such as nut butter or mayonaise. Add something solid like a nut, banana, meat or cheese so that insects don’t remove your lure too quickly.
Remove other sources of food: This is an important step for successful rat trapping and includes fallen fruit or nuts, pet food, and bird seed.
Location, location, location: Rats can be cautious, so to attract them you should place your trap somewhere they feel safe – for example along the edge of a fence or under a tree. Think like a rat!
Add the lure: Place lure in the bait cup, plus a little at the entrance to entice the inquisitive rats. They are attracted to scented foods high in energy.
Set your trap: Close the trap hood, making sure it clips into the small black buttons on each side. The trap cannot be set if the hood isn’t secured. Slide the red lever to “Set Trap”, and push back the black lever until it clicks.
Caught something? The trap will be unset, so you can lift the hood. Push back the black lever to release the rat, which can be buried, composted or put in a sealed bag in your rubbish bin.
Refresh the lure: Do this at least once a week. The more often you check your trap, the less decomposed your catch will be. Try to vary your choice of lure. Ensure the trap is clean and the treadle plate (the flat black part that the rat steps on) doesn’t have dirt or old bait under it. If it does, it will stick, and not set.
Record your catch! This is essential so we know what is happening in your area. It’s also important to track the success of the project. All data is kept confidential. We have made reporting easy for you by adding a QR code to the trap hood.
Enjoy the birds saying thank you, and get that warm fuzzy feeling!
