The following steps are recommended by Predator Free 2050 community groups:
All single action kill traps listed below are set in a tunnel or cover. Some are separate components that may need to be assembled and maintained correctly, while others are an integrated part of the purchased trap.
The cover or tunnel guides the animal to ensure humane killing and shelters the trap limiting the risk of by-kill and interaction from nontarget species.
Any traps listed below have passed NAWAC testing guideline and list of species for humane trapping.
DOC-200 double-set trap
Image: Erana Stevens-Tulip | DOC
Kill targets: weasels, stoats, ferrets, and rats
Best for:
Pros: long service life, proven effective
The DOC series:
It is recommended that the side or extended entrance tunnel designs are used in areas where domestic cats may be present. For kea/weka area DOC-series tunnel designs contact your local DOC office.
DOC series best practice tunnel designs (PDF, 2,422K)
For weasels, stoats, ferrets:
For rats:
A BT 200 trap cutaway
Image: National Springs & Wire Products NZ Ltd ©
Kill targets: stoats and ferrets
Best for:
Pros: long service life, proven effective
The BT200 and BT250 traps come in both zinc plated and full stainless options with good solid weld points. It is recommended that the extended DOC 200 tunnel design is used in areas where domestic cats are present.
The BT200 is 2 mm larger than the DOC 200 version, so take extra care of distance between trap and tunnel walls when installing into a DOC-series wooden tunnel design.
For weasels, stoats and ferrets:
For rats:
The trap has an easy to use handle
Image: PodiTrap ©
Kill targets: ferrets
Best for: ferret control
Pros: new technology, easy to set, safe and convenient
The trap can be easily set from the outside without tools. The handle is used for setting and works as a ‘flag’: a raised handle indicates it is set, a lowered handle that it needs resetting – no need to check every trap.
The trap is also designed so users cannot open the trap once set. Its stackable plastic housing makes it light and portable.
For ferrets:
A Rewild F-Bomb trap
Image: Rewild ©
Kill targets: ferrets, stoats and rats
Best for: ferret, stoat and rat control
Pros: new technology, compact, lightweight, safe, and easy to use
The Rewild F-Bomb trap is a single set and is designed around an integrated tunnel-and-trap mechanism.
It is also designed to be safe for the user, particularly for a trap of this power.
For rats:
For ferrets and stoats:
A24 self-resetting trap by Goodnature
Image: Goodnature ©
Kill targets: stoats, weasels, and rats
Best for: controlling rats when trapping is the preferred control option
Pros: new technology, labour saving, no resetting required, continuous kill
The A24:
For rats: Goodnature Rat Lure
For stoats: Goodnature Stoat Lure
Modified Victor trap with tunnel
Image: Pest Control Research ©
Kill targets: stoats and rats
Best for: controlling low-density rat populations over small areas
Pros: cost effective, small, light and easy to set
The Victor modified trap is a Victor rat trap with a plastic fitting which makes it humane and suitable for targeting stoats.
Use inside a tunnel or plastic pipe to shelter the trap and limit the risk of by-kill.
Watch a how-to video about the modified Victor trap.
For stoats:
For rats:
Victor Professional trap
Kill targets: rats
Best for: controlling low-density rat populations over small areas and backyard trapping.
Pros: cost effective, small light and easy to set
Suitable for trapping in native forest where ship rats are most prevalent.
Use inside a tunnel or plastic pipe to shelter the trap and limit the risk of by-kill.
For rats:
Shown on the top is the Envirootools D-Rat Lumberjack model. On the bottoms is the Envirotools Envirotools Supervisor Max
Kill targets: rats
Best for: controlling low-density rat populations over small areas and backyard trapping
Pros: safe for children and pets, cost effective, easy to use
The range of Envirotools traps are designed and manufactured in New Zealand specifically for New Zealand conditions. Made from stainless steel and UV-resistant polymer.
For rats:
Kill targets: possums and ship rats
Best for: controlling ship rats and possums at medium to low densities
Pros: new technology, labour saving, no resetting required, continuous kill
The AT220:
For possums and ship rats: NZ Autotraps possum lure – flour, sugarfats, aniseed, and cinnamon mixed with peanut oil.
Trapinator
Image: CMI Springs ©
Kill target: possums
Best for: controlling low-density possum populations
Pros: proven effective, safe, easy to set, lightweight
The Trapinator is:
Watch a how-to video about the Trapinator
For possums:
A Envirotools Flipping Timmy on a tree
Kill targets: possums
Pros: new technology, lightweight, safe, easy to use
The Flipping Timmy possum trap is based on the Timms trap. It is mounted vertically removing the need to bend over which ensures a clean catch area.
The Flipping Timmy meets NAWAC’s humane trap-testing guidelines.
The trap is designed for a long life with stainless steel components and UV resistant polymers. It is guaranteed by the manufacturer for 5 years.
A Sentinel trap on a tree
Kill targets: possum
Pros: proven effectiveness, lightweight, cost effective
The Sentinel is a lightweight possum trap set suitable for use in remote areas of native forest where the portable design allows more traps to be packed in.
Has a white Corflute cover for visibility and to orientate the possum to the trap. Each set includes trap, tree attachment, bait clip and Corflute cover.
For possums:
A Warrior trap
Kill targets: possums
Pros: proven effectiveness, long service life, robust and durable
The Warrior is lightweight (850 g) easy-tocarry possum trap. It has a 1.6 mm thick annealed spring steel body.
With a strong, rigid structure, it is designed to be fixed to a tree with screws, 1 m above the ground.
For possums:
A SA2 Kat Trap
Kill targets: possum
Pros: proven effectiveness, robust and durable
Durable and robust, the SA2 Kat trap is an effective single-kill possum trap. The trap has passed NAWAC testing for possum and feral cats as a raised trap only.
It is recommended the trap is placed 750 mm above the ground on an angle (up to 45 degrees), but if weka are present this height and angle will need to be increased to 1.3 m and 55 degrees respectively.
For possums:
Kill target: rats and possums
Best for: controlling rats or possums at medium to low densities
Pros: can be used without a licence; low secondary poisoning risk
Cons: pests can become bait shy if the bait is used incorrectly; requires a pre-feed
Cholecalciferol:
Examples of cholecalciferol for rat control:
Examples of cholecalciferol for possum control:
Kill target: rats
Best for: controlling rats where possum population densities are not high
Pros: does not require a pre-feed, can be used without a licence
Cons: ineffective in possum-infested areas (possums out-compete rats for the bait); potential for low kill rates if inadequate amounts are used; incorrect usage can lead to resistance in rats
First-generation anticoagulants:
Kill target: rats and possums
Best for: controlling rats or possums at medium to low densities
Pros: can be used without a licence
Because D+C baits are relatively new there is a limited amount of knowledge of effectiveness and how best to use
Diphacinone + cholecalciferol: