ANIMAL PEST CONTROL
Here are some of Cam Speedys key points on improving predator interaction with your traps, thanks to Predator Free NZ for sharing this information
- Well maintained traps help reduce non-lethal encounters (which create trap shy animals)
- Fold the mesh at the entrance
- Scuff around the trap to create interest
- Pre feed ‘Hansel and Gretel trails’ of raw mutton fat – smear it on and around your trap. 1/3 in the trap, 1/3 on and around the trap, and 1/3 scattered further away from the trap
- Promote your traps with scented flour blazing using this recipe
- Flipping Timmy and Flipping Kitty traps can be found by contacting Enviro Tools
- BT200 traps for stoats and rats that Cam recommended can be sourced here
- Create a ‘possum nightclub’ by prefeeding and luring during mating season (March/April and September/October)
- Freshly caught animals make great lures
- Drag your stoat/rabbit paunch around your trapping lines to create a scent trail
- Change your approach if it isn’t working – overused tools become ineffective and blunt.
Some of you may find our Starters Guide to predator control on farms (written by Cam) interesting. We’ve also got a ‘Guide to predator control on Lifestyle Blocks’ in the works so keep an eye out for that. Cam also talked a lot about the videos in the Cacophony Project, we recommend you sign up for their newsletter.