QUICK GUIDE TO SUCCESSFUL RAT TRAPPING WITH AUTOMATIC TRAPS

Courtesy Gallagher

Rats cause millions of dollars of damage each year and are vectors of diseases like leptospirosis, that can be transmitted to stock, pets and humans. A revolution in the world of conservation, Goodnature A24 automatic traps are joining farmers’ toolkits to keep rodent infestations at bay for the cold months ahead. Here are some tips to install a successful trapping network.

Keeping it tidy

Rat populations thrive when food sources and shelter are easily available. Store any food sources, such as chicken feed or dog biscuits, in sealed containers and reduce access to other feed and seed storage areas and silos by installing mesh in drains and pipes, and fixing access holes. Clearing away obsolete machinery, wood and building materials around the farm will also reduce rodent hiding places.

Find the best trapping locations

Place traps and secure them close to the ground, where rats are likely to be or where you have seen them. Rats are more likely to stop and eat in sheltered places where they feel safe. Inside buildings, good places for traps are near doors or openings, and in nooks and corners. Outside, ideal locations are near bushy areas alongside waterways, hedges and ponds as rats usually follow the water edge.

Pre-feeding to familiarise rodents with traps and bait

Rats are wary of changes in their environment and it can take a bit of time for them to show interest in a new lure, especially if there are food sources available nearby that they are already familiar with. Pre-feed by placing small amounts of lure in a 10m radius around and underneath all traps to familiarise rodents until they are ready to seek it inside the traps. Pre-feeding is an often overlooked step, yet a very effective way to maintain rodent interest in the lure.

Moving traps that don’t catch anything

If a trap doesn’t catch anything, it is likely in the wrong spot. Moving it a few meters can often make a difference.

Keep your traps firing

Checking automatic traps a few times a year will ensure they are still firing and baited. If the rat population grows, so should the trapping network.

Collaborate

Sharing tips with neighbours is a great way to stay on top of rat problems and be aware of infestations outside the farm.

Goodnature A24 traps automatically reset themselves and use a non-toxic lure that’s safe to use around stock, working dogs and pets. Paired with bluetooth technology, the Chirp app records the number of rats killed by each trap making it easy to spot areas that need better rodent control.

There are many benefits of an automatic, non-toxic trapping network: besides time saving and cost effectiveness, it catches more rats and keeps farms safe and healthy while participating in the regeneration of riparian and native bush areas.