Get the Most Out of Your AT220 Trap

Trapping
Written By Jane Morgan

Last reviewed: August 2026

AT220 traps have become one of the most effective tools used by Predator Free Tamahere volunteers and landowners. Hundreds of pests have now been removed using AT220 traps across our project area.

Getting Started

Find a Good Spot

  • Place your AT220 where pests naturally move and feed: fence lines, tracks, gullies, ridges, or known possum food sources. In Tamahere, AT220s often perform best near gullies, shelterbelts, fruit trees and areas with regular possum activity.

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

  • If you don’t see results within 2-3 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 guidance for your site, particularly where kiwi, weka, domestic cats or other non-target species 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; AND

    • Remove the battery

Trap Checks

First check after 2–3 weeks, then about monthly for the first 2–3 months. Once the trap is working reliably, about every 3 months is usually enough.

What to Check

Is the trap set and working?

  • Press 1× to wake the trap, then connect with the NZAT app.

  • Check battery, sensors and trigger/possum counts.

  • Flashing green = OK • flashing orange = clean sensor eyes • flashing red = fault/check app • no light = battery likely flat.

Lure

  • Check there is enough lure in the pouch (or bottle on older traps). Top up or replace as needed.

  • Check the hose is not kinked or blocked.

Ramp and access

  • Make sure the ramp is stable and vegetation is not blocking the trap or approach.

  • A little possum dough or scented flour on the ramp can help attract interest.

Debris

  • Only clear debris if it is affecting the sensors or trap movement.

  • Before reaching into the trap: fire/unset, confirm the kill bar is closed, then remove the battery.

Cleaning Sensors

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

  • Avoid harsh cleaning or unnecessary handling.

Battery

  • Recharge as required. Check battery status in the NZAT app; depending on activity, a charge may last 4–6 months. High activity, sensor problems or frequent app use can shorten battery life.

Using the NZAT AT220 App

The app connects directly to the trap by Wi-Fi, so mobile coverage isn’t needed at the trap. Use it to:

  • Check battery and sensor status

  • View trigger and suspected possum counts

  • Reset counts after recording

Record the counts in Trap.NZ. Trigger count is the best practical estimate of kills from a self-resetting AT220; cycle count also includes other trap movements and can substantially overestimate catches.

Need More Detail?

For full safety instructions, installation guidance, the NZAT app guide and troubleshooting, see the NZ AutoTraps resources: https://nzautotraps.com/pages/downloads

Alison checking an AT220 trap with the Fulton Hogan work crew

Image Credit: Holly Laverick, Fulton Hogan

Jane Morgan
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