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In the last year, more than 1200 residents have signed up for a free backyard rat trap as part of Forest & Bird’s Pest Free Hibiscus Coast project. Project manager Jenny Hanwell says their main reasons are to protect the 50 species of native birds that live on the Coast, and reduce the risk of rats causing damage to their properties. When residents are considering a trap there are concerns that are frequently raised with Jenny. She answers some of them here:
Q: I’ve never seen a rat in or around my home so why do I need a trap?
A: Rats live pretty much everywhere and chances are there will be one passing by your place at some point. One resident who had never seen a rat, caught 20 in two months! Getting a trap doesn’t mean you have a dirty place or a rat problem, it simply means that you are protecting native birds by making sure your place is covered. Some of the most beautiful properties on the Hibiscus Coast keep a rat trap or bait station in their garden. Volunteers and residents removed over 27,000 rats from Whangaparāoa Peninsula, Ōrewa and Millwater last year, with many more being caught on the borders of Shakespear Regional Park and in Alice Eaves’ Bush.
Q: What if I only catch one? Does every rat caught make a difference?
A: Ship rats breed from three months old and have young every 2-3 months, 6-10 in a litter – so the maths is, two rats can become 93,312 in one year without control.
Q: Do all types of pest control use poison?
A: It’s your choice what you use. There are humane tested quick kill rat traps available free of charge, provided catches are recorded.
Q: Will I have to handle a dead rat, or kill it myself?
A: The quick kill traps are a bit like a big bulldog clip, so to empty them just squeeze the end of the trap to release the rat into a bag, bin or compost. Wear gloves. If you don’t even want to see a dead rat, you could buy a professional, lockable bait station and bait from Hibiscus Coast Forest & Bird.
Q: I have a cat that catches rats so why do I need a trap?
A: While some cats catch or deter rats from your home, it is not enough to keep on top of rat numbers. Studies have shown that cats avoid the larger rats, including the Norway rat, which can grow up to 25cm long excluding the tail.
Q: Rats are Council’s problem, shouldn’t I just report it to them if I see one?
A: You are responsible for pest animals on your property, and going predator free is something that the whole community needs to be part of. Council works with Pest Free Hibiscus Coast to support predator control on public land, as well as part-funding the backyard trapping scheme.
Q: I’ve had my trap out for a few weeks and nothing has been caught – should I keep trying?
A: In some areas you might be waiting weeks or months to catch a rat, and their movements change seasonally so keep trying. You can also try repositioning your trap or using different lures beyond the classic peanut butter. A drop of vanilla essence on top of it works well, or try mayonnaise, cheese, chocolate, pumpkin seeds or banana.
Q: Can I trap when I have a pet or toddler?
A: Pest Free Hibiscus Coast traps are supplied in a wooden tunnel with mesh on each end and a small hole for the rat to access the trap. The mesh can also be locked shut to keep curious little ones safe using a washer and screw.
