Get the Most Out of Your A24 Rat Trap
Hey Tamahere! If you’ve recently got yourself a Goodnature A24 automatic trap, you’re on the right track to tackling those pesky rats. The newer model of the A24 can be very effective, especially if you’re dealing with a major rat issue. Here’s a quick guide to help you set it up and make the most out of it.
Setting Up Your Trap
Location: Place your A24 trap where rats are most active, choosing spots where they feel safe and can steer clear of pets and other predators. Ideal locations include on top of woodpiles, along sheltered paths, or near fences. Since rats are great climbers, setting the trap off the ground can make a big difference. Make sure to clear away any nearby food sources to make your trap bait more appealing. If you’re not having much luck, try moving the trap or changing the bait.
Trap Stand: To get the best performance from your A24, make sure it’s at the right height and angle. A trap stand (you can find these online or at Mitre 10) or a homemade one can keep your trap stable and well-positioned. It also makes it easier to move the trap around to different spots..
Dusting Off Older A24s
Positioned for success: an A24 trap securely mounted on a stand in the fork of a large tree, catching rats where they are most active Image credit: A Ewing
If you’re working with an older A24 model, don’t let it gather dust! These traps can still be effective with some maintenance. Clean them up, check the CO2 cylinder, and ensure the lure isn’t blocking or overloading the trigger mechanism, which can prevent it from firing properly. Sometimes a little tune-up can make a big difference.
Keeping Your Trap in Tip-Top Shape
Check It Regularly: The A24 is pretty reliable, but it’s a good idea to check it every month. Sometimes slugs munch through the lure or too much lure can mess with the trigger and affect performance. Give it a regular once-over, replace the lure and CO2 cylinder as needed, and make sure everything’s working smoothly.
Use a Counter: To keep track of your catches (since you might not always find bodies under the trap), consider buying a counter for your A24. This way, you’ll know how effective your trap is and can adjust the set-up if needed.
Boost Your Rat Control Game
Switch Up the Lure Flavour: Rats can be picky eaters. If you’re not catching any, try changing the lure flavour. Pre-feed with the new lure near the trap for a week or two to get them used to the scent. When you stop pre-feeding, rats should be more curious about the trap. The newer Goodnature meat-lovers bait option is a good choice - mice and even stoats love it too.
Mix It Up: Some rats are extra cautious and might avoid the A24 trap. To increase your chances, use a variety of pest control methods, like single-kill traps or bait stations alongside your A24. Placing multiple traps can be effective since rats follow scent trails and will drawn to the trapping ‘night club’..
Ultimate pest control setup: an A24 rat trap, Flipping Timmy possum trap, and bait station all working together on one of their favourite trees. Image credit: A Ewing
Recording Catches: For a better grasp on what’s working, use Trap.NZ to log your catches. This helps us all see what methods are most effective. Head to Trap.NZ to sign up and join our Predator Free Tamahere project.
What to Do with Catches: Dispose of carcasses by burying them or wrapping them in newspaper and putting them in the rubbish. On a farm, you can leave them out for hawks to scavenge.
Safety Tip: Always wear gloves when handling traps and carcasses, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
Need more info? Just reach out to us. Happy trapping!
