Many people around Tamahere are noticing more rats and mice this winter. Here are some practical tips for getting on top of them before spring arrives.

Possums walking straight past your traps? You're not alone. Some possums become surprisingly trap shy, but a few small changes to trap placement, bait and timing can make all the difference.

Recent ferret sightings in Tamahere are a timely reminder that these predators pose a serious risk to wildlife — and that well-placed well-maintained traps work.

Since our group started in June 2022, our trapping efforts have led to a steady increase in possum catches, with November and December being our busiest months. As of November 2024, we’ve trapped over 1,180 possums, significantly helping protect our native wildlife.

Pulse baiting can be a useful way to control rats on larger properties, gullies and lifestyle blocks. Here’s when to bait, how to keep bait fresh and secure, and how to use bait stations safely.

For hard-to-reach areas like gullies and steep river banks, Philproof Bait Stations are an ideal choice due to their durability, weather resistance, and secure anchoring. Their tamper-proof design ensures bait stays protected, even in New Zealand’s toughest environments.

To enhance our pest control efforts, please sign up on Trap.NZ and log your catches. This helps us track our progress and identify areas where additional trapping is needed, ensuring a more effective approach to managing pests in Tamahere.

Live catch traps are very effective for managing pests like possums, ferrets and feral cats, especially with pets around. Just make sure to place your traps in high pest activity areas, use the appropriate bait, and check them daily to keep everything running smoothly and humanely.

If you're dealing with rabbits on your lifestyle block, you're not alone. Although not part of the Predator Free 2050 strategy, managing rabbits is one of our most frequently asked questions. Focusing on control during winter, when breeding slows, is your most cost-effective option. Effective methods include night shooting, Pindone bait, fumigation, or exclusion fencing.

Keep your AT220 trap in peak condition by setting it up well, performing regular checks and maintenance, and using the app to track kills.

To get the most out of your A24 rat trap, place it where rats are most active, use a trap stand for proper positioning, and regularly maintain and check the trap to ensure it's working well.

To get the most out of your DOC200 trap, place it in high-traffic pest areas like along fence lines or near food sources, and ensure it’s stable. Use effective baits like fresh meat or eggs, and refresh them regularly to avoid spoilage. For more tips, check out Cam Speedy’s video—his advice can really boost your trapping success!

To use your T-Rex rat trap effectively, place it in a stable tunnel box near rat hotspots like compost bins or woodpiles, and bait it with peanut butter or similar. Check the trap weekly, replace old bait, and log your catches in the Trap.NZ app to help us track success

Just borrowed a Flipping Timmy trap? Mount it on a tree about 1 meter high and add a ramp with a 30cm gap for easy access. Use sweet bait and a scent trail of flour and vanilla to attract possums, while keeping pets uninterested.