Get involved
Join the Waiheke community in backyard trapping to protect wildlife and control rat populations while supporting ongoing stoat eradication efforts across the island.
-
DIY Rat Trapping
Get involved in backyard trapping to protect wildlife, safeguard your home, and effectively control rat populations in our community.
-
Community Rodent Control
There are many community groups on Waiheke Islands actively controlling rodents. They are always looking for new volunteers - get in touch today!
-
Community Stoat Trapping
The Waiheke community has been working on trapping predators for many years. Below are some of the stoat projects that led to the island wide stoat eradication.
Rat Control Resources
A 2021 community survey found that 61% of Waiheke households surveyed had carried out rat control in the previous 12 months. There are lots of ways to detect and control rats in your backyard. Some people are very comfortable handling rats and others are not. For that reason, there are a variety of different control options available.
Tracking tools
Chew cards and tracking tunnels are great tools to find out where rats are on your property. Place them where you have seen rats or think rats might frequent. Near compost bins, chicken houses, rubbish areas, woodpiles and water sources are a good place to start. Once you know where they are, you know where to put your traps or bait stations.
Tracking tunnels
Chew cards
Traps
There are two common trapping devices used for backyard and bush rat trapping. Snap traps (T-rex or Victor) and A24 self-resetting traps. Snap traps are a low-cost investment and are easy to check as you walk around your property. Once a snap trap catches a rat it needs to be cleared and reset before it can catch another. For the safety of children, and other animals, snap traps are recommended for use inside secure boxes.
A24 self-resetting traps by Good Nature are a higher cost but do not require the rat carcass to be removed from the trap as they fall to the ground after impact. The trap resets itself up to 24 times before the canister needs to be replaced. This option often suits property owners that do not live on Waiheke all year around. For more information on trapping, click here.
Snap Trap
Where to buy:
Waiheke Arts & Crafts
102 Ostend Road, Ostend,
09 372 7860
A-24 self resetting trap
Bait
Bait stations are another cost-effective way to control rats and do not require frequent checking as the bait will remain effective for at least four weeks. They can save time, money and resources when controlling large areas where rat numbers are high. All toxins should be contained in lockable bait stations. Bait stations keep baits fresh and also allow predator species to access bait while restricting or minimising access by non-target species. For more information on bait and bait stations click here
Bait
Where to buy:
Placemakers, Ostend, Waiheke Island
Where to buy:
Bait stations
More information
Controlling Rats Brochure
An excerpt from the pest animal control guidelines for the Auckland region
Predator Free New Zealand
Trapping Best Practice
There are pros and cons that come with any predator control method. What works best for you will depend on several factors
Predator Free New Zealand Trap setting information
The T-Rex rat trap is an affordable and easy-to-use trap that is great for any backyard. The trap sits in a long wooden box, so it’s safe around children and pets.
Make an impact today
Te Korowai o Waiheke is a charitable trust established by the local community to eradicate predators from our beautiful island.
If you would like to make a donation to support this world leading conservation project, please use this easy online donation option or donate directly to:
TE KOROWAI O WAIHEKE TRUST
12 3109 0057530 00
All donations over $5 can be claimed as a tax deduction.
If you would like more information about the project and how you can become involved, please contact info@tekorowaiowaiheke.org