Trapping
http://www.gw.govt.nz/trapping
Trapping
Using traps is an effective and manageable method for control of pest animals to protect our environment.
You can trap on your own property or get involved in a local predator free group.
Find out about traps we recommend and use to control:
Find out how to get started as a backyard trapper from Predator Free Wellington. See Department of Conservation for advice on trapping in your backyard and a practical guide for trapping.
Contact us if you need further advice on traps and what method best suits your situation.
Safety first
Don't touch traps unless authorised to do so. - Keep children and dogs away from traps when they are set.
- Maintain traps so they work efficiently
- Keep traps on your property and not on public land
Trapping stoats, weasels and ferrets (mustelids), and hedgehogs and rats
Tunnel traps
Traps are more effective when they are inside a tunnel. The pest animal enters the tunnel through a small entrance at one end and crosses a trigger plate to reach the bait. Their weight on the trigger plate releases the spring-loaded trap which kills them. The traps need to be cleared and reset each time they capture a pest. The tunnel keeps the trap away from children and pets.
These are five of the tunnel traps available.
Modified Victor Pro trap with tunnel
Trap inside a wooden tunnel. Similar to a DOC200.
Ok to use in areas with kids or pets
Medium skill level needed
Low cost
BT200
Trap inside a wooden tunnel. Similar to the DOC200.
Ok to use in areas with kids or pets - ensure lid is screwed shut. Use eggs rather than meat for bait if cats are around
Medium skill level needed. Setting tool available - requires some strength to set
Low cost
DOC200
Trap inside a wooden tunnel. Most frequently used. Find out more
Ok to use in areas with kids or pets
Medium skill level needed
Medium cost
DOC250
Has a larger trap that will also capture ferrets. Needs a tool to set. Find out more
Ok to use in areas with kids or pets
Advanced skill level needed
High cost
Monster trap
Has a trap similar to the DOC200 inside a plastic case.
Ok to use in areas with kids or pets
Easy to use
Low cost
Buy these tunnel traps from pest control supply stores, online from Predator Free New Zealand, or contact us.
Tips for using tunnel traps:
- Buy a trap and build your own tunnel trap
- Upgrade to a stainless steel option for trapping in coastal areas
- Add a mouse trap behind the other trap, at the rear of the box
- See these extra tunnel trapping tips ‘n’ tricks for experts
Auto-resetting traps
Goodnature A24 Rat & Stoat Trap
Kills 24 rats, stoats, weasels or mice - automatically resetting after each kill. It works by firing a piston when the pest brushes against an internal trigger while trying to reach the long-life, non-toxic lure. The piston strikes the pest's head, killing it instantly. Find out more.
Ok to use in areas with kids and pets
Very easy
High cost
Buy these from Goodnature or Predator Free New Zealand. More about stoats, ferrets and weasels (mustelids), hedgehogs and rats.
Trapping possums
Timms traps
This trap has a plastic shell with steel kill mechanism inside and is usually placed on the ground and secured with steel pegs, but can be fixed to a tree. The possum puts its head through the opening on the front of the trap, bites on the bait, causing a spring-loaded metal bar to spring up, constricting the possum’s neck.
Not suitable for use around children and pets unless under strict supervision
Medium skill level needed
Low cost
Possum Masters
These have a plastic shell with a noose mechanism housed inside the casing and is fixed to a tree. When the possum takes the bait a noose contracts around its neck.
Ok to use in areas with kids or pets. Keep face clear of spring-loaded arm when set and while setting. Use fruit for bait is cats are present
Medium skill level needed - takes some practice to set
Low cost
The Warrior
This trap has steel sprung steel trap inside a case that can be fixed to a tree or fence. When the possum takes the bait the steel jaws of the trap clamps shut on its neck.
Not safe for children, pets, or livestock
Advanced/for rural trapping - requires experience to use effectively
Low cost
Buy these traps from pest control companies, online from Predator Free New Zealand or contact us.
Tips for using these possum traps:
- Bait these traps with fresh fruit, peanut butter or extruded cereal bait.
- Change the bait every 2 to 3 days and reset the trap each time it captures a possum.
- If the trap is attached to a tree, add a flour lure from the ground to the trap. Mix in some icing sugar, jelly crystals, or aniseed, vanilla or almond essence to make this extra attractive
Auto-resetting traps
Goodnature A12 Possum Trap
Kills 12 possums - automatically resetting after each kill. It works by firing a piston when the possum bites down and pulls on the "bite block" attached to a long-life, non-toxic lure. The piston strikes the possum's head, killing it instantly. Find out more.
Not safe for children. Place out of reach of dogs. Cats generally show no interest. Keep hands outside trap shroud and handle gas bottles with care
Very easy
High cost
More information
DOC trapping videos - a video series on installing and servicing rat traps used in conservation
Other pest control methods
Trap testing by Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research
Find out about pest control operations – where and what methods are being used to protect our unique plants and animals.
