Get the Most Out of Your AT220 Trap

Trapping & Bait Essentials
Written By Jane Morgan

Last updated: December 2025

Getting Started

Find a Good Spot

  • Place your AT220 where pests naturally move and feed: fence lines, tracks, gullies, ridges, or near fruit trees and known possum food sources.

  • Look for signs such as scratches, tracks, or droppings.

  • If you don’t see results within 3–4 weeks, try relocating the trap — even a small move to a nearby tree can help.

  • Avoid areas with strong dog scent.

Install the Trap Correctly:

  • Mount the trap securely to a solid tree or post.

  • Height matters:

    • Follow NZ AutoTraps / DOC guidance for non-target species in your area. As a general guide, traps are usually set well off the ground, at about chest-height, with higher placements required where kiwi or weka may be present.

  • Set up a stable ramp so it meets the bottom of the rat ladder (the hanging webbing).

    • Logs or timber are fine — stability is more important than perfection.

    • A steeper ramp is safer for non-target species.

      For a step-by-step guide on how to install your AT220 trap, watch this video:

Safety First (Essential Reading)

  • Always treat the AT220 as live unless it has been deliberately fired and the battery removed.

  • Never put your hand inside the trap body while the kill bar is set.

  • Carry the trap by the backboard, not the trap body.

  • Pressing the LED button can make the trap live at any time.

  • Before cleaning, inspecting internally, or clearing debris:

    • Fire the trap

    • Remove the battery

Trap Checks

  • If the trap is nearby: an occasional visual check is fine.

  • For most traps, plan a more thorough check every 2–3 months, or sooner if catches drop off.

What to Check

Is the trap set and working?

  • Briefly check the trap status using the LED button or app.

  • If the trap appears inactive, check battery charge and sensor cleanliness.

Lure

  • Ensure there is enough lure in the pouch (bottle on older models).

  • Top up as needed; replace if empty or degraded.

Ramp and access

  • Make sure the ramp is stable and the trap isn’t blocked by vegetation.

  • A small amount of possum dough or scented flour on the ramp can help attract interest.

Debris

  • Only remove debris if it is blocking sensors or affecting function.

  • Old remains do not need to be removed unless they interfere with the trap.

Cleaning and Servicing

Cleaning Sensors

  • Fire the trap and remove the battery.

  • Use water and a toothbrush, cloth, or wipes to gently clean the sensor eyes.

  • Avoid harsh cleaning or unnecessary handling.

Battery and Lure

  • Recharge the battery every 3–6 months, depending on trap activity.

  • In high-activity areas, batteries may need charging more often.

  • Refill lure as required and ensure the hose is not kinked or blocked.

Using the AT220 App

  • The app can be used to:

    • Check battery voltage

    • Inspect trap sensor performance

    • View kill statistics (triggers)

  • Record kill / trigger numbers (not trap cycles) in Trap.nz.

Need More Detail?

For full safety instructions, installation guidance, and troubleshooting, refer to the NZ AutoTraps AT220 resources:
https://nzautotraps.com/pages/how-to-use-the-at220

Alison checking an AT200 trap with the Fulton Hogan work crew Image Credit Holly Laverick, Fulton Hogan

Jane Morgan
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