Traps & Bait

This page covers common trapping and bait options used or supported locally by Predator Free Tamahere. There is no single perfect trap or bait for every property — the best setup depends on the pests present and what you can maintain consistently.

For many Tamahere residents, a few well-placed T-Rex rat traps are the simplest place to start. Most lifestyle blocks will also benefit from possum control, especially where there are fruit trees, shelterbelts, gullies or signs of browsing.

As a general guide:

  • Around the house, shed, compost, chickens or fruit trees: T-Rex or Victor rat traps

  • Lifestyle blocks with possums: one or more Flipping Timmy possum traps

  • Gullies, river edges and hard-to-access areas: AT220 self-resetting traps

  • Stoats, ferrets and weasels: DOC200 traps

For broader lifestyle block advice, see Predator Free NZ’s lifestyle block predator control guide.

Still unsure? Start with our Getting Started guide, visit Already Trapping? if you’re improving an existing setup, or contact us for advice.

Traps & Bait

  • Snapper T-Rex trap with open and closed bases on a white background.

    T-Rex Rat Traps & Tunnels

    A simple and effective option for most Tamahere households.

    How to Get: Buy a T-Rex rat trap plus a wooden tunnel for $25 from Predator Free Tamahere Conservation Trust. Pay online to ASB 12-3268-0109633-00 & pick up at the Waikato District Council Tamahere office (Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm) by the pharmacy.

    How to Use: For T-Rex trap & tunnel set-up and our tips on catching rats, follow this link.

  • A young boy standing on a forest trail, smiling, with a yellow trap box attached to a tree and a small possum hanging from it. The boy is wearing a blue shirt, shorts, and boots, and is giving a thumbs-up.

    Flipping Timmy Possum Traps

    Suitable for long-term possum control.

    How to Get: Tamahere residents can borrow a Flipping Timmy trap for free, thanks to Waikato Regional Council. There is no set loan period provided the trap is being actively used. Contact us to see if you qualify.

    How to Use: For trap set-up and our tips on trapping possums, follow this link.

  • A live AT220 trap attached to a tree trunk, intended for capturing small pest animals, with a metal wire cage and a wooden mounting board.

    AT220 Possum & Rat Traps

    Best suited to larger lifestyle blocks, gullies, river edges and areas that are difficult to access regularly.
    The AT220 automatically resets after each kill and can target rats, mice and possums. It is particularly useful for busy households and properties where regular trap checking is difficult.

    How to Get: Local trappers connected with Predator Free Tamahere may be able to access a small AT220 discount. Standard pricing applies if you order directly online. For suitable larger blocks, gullies, river edges and hard-to-check areas, we may also be able to offer a 2–3 month AT220 trial before you buy. Contact us to find out more.

    How to Use: Follow this link for our tips on setting up your AT220 automatic trap & our advice on regular checks and maintenance.

  • A white plastic bait box mounted on a tree trunk outdoors, with moss and fallen leaves on the ground.

    Bait & Bait Stations

    For safety, always place bait in secure bait stations and follow label instructions. This prevents rats from hoarding bait and keeps pets and wildlife safe.

    Choose first-generation baits such as Diphacinone (Ditrac) — they are generally considered lower-risk than second-generation baits when used correctly. We recommend a “pulsed baiting” approach: offer bait only at certain times of the year rather than continuously. This reduces bait use, saves money, and prevents rats from becoming bait-shy.

    How to Get: Available from local hardware stores eg Mitre 10 or farm shops eg Farmlands, PGG Wrightson.

    How to Use: Click here for tips on selecting the right bait station for you and here for information on bait choices and pulse baiting.

  • A wooden box trap with a metal spring mechanism, an egg, and a few small pieces inside, placed on green grass.

    DOC200 Traps

    Suitable for rats, stoats, weasels and ferrets. Available as a short-term loan (up to 3 months) for suitable properties.

    How to Get: Tamahere residents can borrow a DOC200 trap for free, thanks to our generous sponsors. Contact us to see if you qualify.

    How to Use: For trap set-up tips on regular checks and maintenance, follow this link.

  • A humane A24 trap attached to a tree in a forest, with a battery inside, designed for capturing small animals humanely.

    A24 Rat & Mice Traps

    Suitable for rat and mouse control in some situations. If possums are also present, or if you're trapping in a gully, shelterbelt or larger lifestyle block, you may also wish to consider an AT220, which targets multiple pest species.

    How to Get: Order via Goodnature or check out their local stockists here

    How to Use: Follow this link for our tips on setting up your A24 automatic trap & our tips on regular checks and maintenance.

  • A metal live animal trap with a door on one end and a sliding door on top, used for catching small animals.

    Live Catch Cage Traps

    How to Get: Waikato District Council (WDC) has live catch traps available for hire. To hire one, visit the Tamahere WDC office hub (first floor by the Tamahere pharmacy) or call the WDC Animal Control Unit at 0800 492 452

    How to Use: For more info on using this trap, follow this link.

  • Two rabbits grazing on grass in a natural outdoor setting with green foliage in the background.

    Rabbit Control

    We totally understand that wild rabbits can be a challenging problem. Rabbit control isn’t our main focus, but we’ve linked some useful advice here. Click this link for tips and effective solutions.