Already trapping in Tamahere?
If you’re already trapping rats, mice, possums or mustelids on your property — thank you. Your effort is part of the wider predator-control coverage helping protect Tamahere’s gardens, gullies, river edges and native wildlife.
We’d love to know where predator control is already happening, in whatever form, even if you don’t use Trap.NZ. This helps us understand local coverage, identify gaps, support priority habitat areas, and connect nearby landowners where that would help.
Do less, do it well
Good predator control doesn’t need to mean a lot of work or doing everything everywhere. The best results usually come from a simple, well-maintained setup that suits your property and can be kept going over time.
Focus on the places where predators are most likely to move or feed: sheds, compost, chicken coops, fruit trees, shelter belts, gullies, streams, bush blocks and river edges.
Co-located rat and possum traps
Rat & possum traps work well together in high pest traffic areas like gullies or bush blocks. Rats often steal possum-trap lure, so a nearby rat trap can help improve your catch rate.
Three useful next steps
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If your catches have slowed, traps are hard to check, or you’re not sure whether your current setup suits your property, we may be able to help with practical local advice.
There isn’t one perfect trap for every property. The best setup is usually the one that targets the right pests, is placed well, and is easy enough to maintain over time.
We can help you think through trap placement, baiting, maintenance, pest sign, neighbour coordination, and whether options such as possum traps, bait stations, DOC200s or an AT220 might suit your situation.
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For suitable Tamahere properties — especially larger blocks, gullies, and Waikato river edges — Predator Free Tamahere has a small number of AT220 self-resetting traps available for a 2–3 month trial.
This can help you decide whether an AT220 suits your property before buying one.
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Trap.NZ is the best way to record traps and catches, and it helps build a clearer picture of predator control across Tamahere.
If you don’t want another login, that’s okay — please still tell us you’re trapping. Approximate catch numbers are useful too, even if you only update us occasionally.
Quick ways to improve trapping results
Place traps where pests already travel: along fences, edges, waterways, bush margins, sheds and food sources.
Keep traps and bait stations stable, clean and easy for pests to enter.
Keep grass and vegetation clear from trap entrances.
Refresh bait or lure regularly.
Use the right tool for the pest problem — rat traps, possum traps, bait stations, AT220s or DOC200s may suit different situations.
Check more often during busy pest seasons or when you notice fresh sign.
Talk to neighbours where possible. Coordinated trapping across property boundaries works better than isolated effort.
If you use bait, please use secure bait stations, follow label instructions, and consider neighbours, pets, livestock and non-target wildlife.
When to get in touch
Contact us if you:
are considering an AT220
have seen stoats, ferrets or weasels
want help joining or using Trap.NZ
would like advice on trap choice or placement
already trap but are happy to share occasional catch numbers
Tell us what’s happening at your place
Useful resources
PFT Traps & Bait guide: for traps and bait options we commonly support locally.
PFT Getting Started guide: for simple first steps if you’re helping a neighbour or setting up a new area.
Predator Free NZ: Golden tips for predator control on farms
A practical guide with the useful principle: do less, do it well, and keep it going.
Predator Free NZ: Trapping and baiting guidance for farms and lifestyle blocks
Broader advice on trapping and toxins for larger properties.
One of our volunteers setting up a tree-mounted AT220
A stable ramp helps possums approach the trap, but the top of the ramp should sit just below the trap’s dangling rat ladder rather than hard against the trap entrance. A flour blaze or scented lure around the site can add scent interest and encourage pests to investigate.