The Forest Bridge Trust – Breeding season protection

Spring in Aotearoa is a season of new life – our forests and backyards are alive with the sound of tūī, pīwakawaka and rirorio. Many of our small bush birds are underway with their first clutch of spring, while it’s also the time when the protein needs increase dramatically for their biggest threats – rats, stoats, weasels and ferrets. These pest animals are working overtime to feed their young, hunting harder and travelling further in search of food. That means more pressure on native birds, eggs and chicks, and more reason than ever to keep traps out and active.

The Forest Bridge Trust has been working with private landowners and community groups across Rodney, especially within key kiwi buffer zones, to protect our precious native wildlife. But this spring, we need your help to keep the pressure on predators. If you’re trapping, now’s the time to double down. We asked our pest control team for their top three spring trapping tips to help you make the most impact this season.

Seasonal baits and lures

Predators are in full food-gathering mode, so give them what they’re craving. Eggs and meat are your go-to bait choices in spring. Switch things up each time you check your traps, predators quickly learn to avoid the same smell. For mustelids, rotate rabbit, eggs or a freshly caught rat. Think like a predator– what would they be targeting right now in the wild?

Spring clean your traps

Just as you might spring clean your house, take time to clean your traps. Old, rotten or fly-blown baits repel predators. Use a wire brush to clean your trap and trap box, removing any grass or debris to make the entry inviting. Ensure your trap sits flat and is accessible. The goal? Make it look and smell like an easy meal – an irresistible five-star buffet.

Check traps frequently

With predator activity high and temperatures rising, baits spoil faster. Check traps at least weekly if you can. Regular checks keep baits fresh, increase catch rates, and help you respond quickly to changes in predator behaviour.

And don’t forget to record your catches on the Trap NZ app. Every data point provides valuable information on the number of pest animals and their most active locations. This helps The Forest Bridge Trust and local trappers plan more effective, connected predator control networks that have a lasting impact.

If you don’t have time to trap, but still want to make a difference, consider donating. Your contribution helps cover the cost of trap maintenance and servicing in shared areas and public spaces where gaps in coverage can leave birds vulnerable.

Head over to The Forest Bridge Trust’s website resource page to watch our How-To trapping videos and ensure success this spring. Together, we can make this a season of action and hope for our native wildlife.

Thanks to the Rodney Local Board for their ongoing support.

Info: Trap NZ APP – https://trap.nz/

The Forest Bridge Trust’s website Resource Page – https://www.theforestbridgetrust.org.nz/resources/

Donation page – https://www.theforestbridgetrust.org.nz/donate-now/

RLB – https://www.facebook.com/RodneyLocalBoard/