There are many many different types of rat traps. You will have seen them at Bunnings or Mitre 10, but typically these are designed for household or indoor use. For outdoor situations we typically need something a little more robust that can withstand the weather, be effective in catching rats, but at the same time minimising risk to other animals such as birds.
Adding further complication, is that because Norway rats can be much larger than ship rats, some traps won’t be as effective, or as the industry likes to say, meet the NAWAC standards. These standards are designed to ensure the pests are killed quickly and humanely. If a trap doesn’t pass meet the standard it’s not illegal to use it and it may well still kill the pest, but potentially not as humanely as other traps.
Given that, in our experience here are traps that may deliver the best results for you. But, with that comes a caveat. Cameras have proven that a percentage of pests won’t enter a trap. So this is a long game, where currently we’re helping suppress populations, until a game changer comes along. And it will, and our efforts are enormously valuable right now for our native flora and fauna.
A Tunnel
Dependent on where your trap comes from, it might already be inside a tunnel. If not, you can buy them, or they are relatively easy and cheap to build your own. Tunnels have three functions and to meet NAWAC standards they must be used:
- Orientate the animal relative to the trap,
- Disguise and protect the trap, and
- Keep out non-target species.
Tunnel and a Victor Professional
Description
- A traditional wood based wire snap trap
Target Pest(s)
- NAWAC approved for ship rats
- Will catch all rats
Pros
- Traditional and proven rat trap-good brand for wood based wire snap traps
Cons
- Being wooden they can be more messy after a capture, and then having to reset it. Gloves recommended!
- Not as durable over time (tend to work themselves loose and get rusty)
Our Comment:
The tried and true rat trap, but being wooden, after a few catches they can get a bit messy and unpleasant.
Buy From ….
- Borrow for up to 3 months from Akaroa Trap Library for free (donations welcome)
- Or buy your own from Akaroa Trap Library (while stocks last) – $25
- Philproof – Trap only, $7+GST
T-Rex
Description
- A reusable and easy to use rat snap trap made from high-impact plastic and rust-resistant metals.
- The removable bait cup allows the trap to be baited and serviced when not set.
- Needs to be placed inside a wooden or corflute tunnel.
Target Pest(s)
- NAWAC approved for ship rats
Pros
- Very easy to set and clear, no mess!
- Plastic, easy to clean
Cons
- A question around the durability of the spring
- In the set position the “flap” may prevent a rat seeing through the tunnel, meaning it may be less likely to venture in.
Our Comment:
Super easy to set and to clear catches from, and being plastic they are easy to clean. Yet to determine how valid the “cons” are.
Buy From:
Mustelid Tunnel with a Doc 200 combo
Description
- Mustelid Tunnel with a Doc 200 combo for a range of pests.
Target Pest(s)
- NAWAC approved for ship and norway rats, stoats, weasels and hedgehogs
- Will also catch ferrets, but not approved.
Pros
- Plastic, easy to clean and lightweight
- Tilting hood, making it easy to access and set the trap
- Catches a variety of pests
Cons
- A question as to how durable (plastic)
- More expensive than a wooden tunnel
Our Comment:
Love this trap! Easier to bait and set because of the hinged lid and easy to clean.
Buy From
DOC 150, 200 or 250 in a Wooden Tunnel
Description
- This is the classic all around trap, in differing sizes
Target Pest(s)
- DOC 150 – Norway rats, stoats, hedgehogs
- DOC 200 – As above, plus ship rats
- DOC 250, as above plus ferrets
Pros
- Traditional and proven tunnel design
- Durable
- Catches a variety of pests
Cons
- Heavier to carry in the bush
- DOC 250s are beasts to set
Our Comment:
These traps are the workhorses of most trapping efforts, tried and true! They are durable, and if you build your own boxes, relatively inexpensive.
Buy From:
- Borrow a DOC 150, DOC 200 or DOC250 for up to 3 months from Akaroa Trap Library for free (donations welcome)
- DOC 200, Trap only from Trapinator, $29+GST
AT220
Description
- Currently the only self-resetting kill trap for possums
- Tree mounted
Target Pest(s)
- NAWAC approved for ship rats and possums
- Triggered to kill rats, mice and possums
Pros
- Resets after every kill with up to 100 cycles before services (battery and bait)
- Auto rebaiting
- Bait theft reduced by triggering for possums, rats and mice
- Catches a variety of pests
Cons
- Cost
Our Comment:
These traps are relatively new, but have been used with outstanding success in the Opua Forest. PF Banks Peninsula is also about to deploy over 300. We’d love to try one!
Buy From:
Thanks to our supporters and partners!
