Get the Most Out of Your AT220 Trap
Getting Started
Find the Best Spot:
Place your AT220 trap where possums are most active and feeding such as fruit trees. Look for signs like scratches or fresh droppings, and avoid areas marked by dog scent. If you don’t see results within 3-4 weeks, try relocating the trap. Even a small move to a nearby tree can make a difference.
Installing the Trap:
For a step-by-step guide on how to properly install your AT220 trap, watch this helpful video:
Maintaining Your Trap
Inspect your trap shortly after setting it up or moving it. For ongoing maintenance, do a basic monthly check if you’re nearby. If the trap is in a remote location, plan a more in-depth check every three months.
Safety Reminder:
While the AT220 trap is only active at night, always handle it with care during the day. Never assume it's 100% safe while the kill bar is set.
Trap Maintenance Kit - What to Bring
Cleaning supplies eg small brush or cloth for wiping sensors, and long gripper or tongs for clearing debris
Multi-tool for any adjustments required to the trap-mounting
Extra lure for lure bottles or a spare lure sachet for newer traps
Possum dough or scented flour to refresh the ramp scent.
Spare rechargeable battery, if you have one
Gloves
Phone with AT220 app and Trap.NZ for recording your trap check +/- kills
Here's what to look for during your basic monthly check:
Is the trap set?
Make sure the kill bar is in the set position, not triggered closed.
Is the trap working well?
Remove trap lid & press the LED button once. A green blink and a fresh pump of lure indicate the trap is working. An orange or red blink means there’s an issue, like a dirty sensor or low battery. If the light is green but the lure doesn’t pump, the lure level might be low, or the tube could be blocked—check for kinks.
Is there enough lure?
Ensure the lure holder is at least one-third full, preferably 2/3 full. Add more bait if needed, mixing it with the old.
Is the lid on securely?
After checking, replace the lid carefully to protect your battery and lure sachet. Ensure the side clips lock in place and stretch tabs over the clips to secure.
Too much trap debris?
Only remove debris that directly obstructs the sensors. There's no need to clear pest debris hanging from the wire cage if it’s not affecting the trap's operation. Use a stick, long gripper, or BBQ tongs to clear any debris blocking the sensors. Avoid reaching inside the trap with your hand.
Trap access and ramp ok?
Ensure the trap is securely mounted, free from plant overgrowth, and that the ramp is stable. Enhance the trap’s appeal by adding possum dough or scented flour to the ramp.
Alison checking an AT200 trap with the Fulton Hogan work crew Image Credit Holly Laverick, Fulton Hogan
3-monthly maintenance trap checks: as above, plus
Clean Trap Sensors:
First, trigger the trap by pressing the LED button twice, which will produce a loud bang. Next, unscrew & remove the battery for safety. Clean both sensors using baby wipes, a cloth, or a toothbrush. Take the battery away with you to recharge it or replace it with a fully charged spare if available. When you reinstall the battery, the trap will reset in about 5 minutes.
Recharge the Battery:
Use the USB charger supplied with the trap to recharge the battery overnight; it typically takes about 6 hours for a full charge. The battery should be recharged every 3-6 months - this varies, depending on trap activity. In areas with more intensive pest control, we’ve found batteries tend to last 6 months, while in high-activity spots they may require recharging every 2-3 months.
Top Up the Lure: Refill the lure as needed.
Check the lure hose: Ensure the hose isn’t twisted or blocked when replacing lure bags and also that the hose remains properly positioned over the lure tray, as mice can sometimes dislodge this.
Using the AT220 App (Optional):
Check Battery Voltage: Connect to the trap’s Wi-Fi with the AT220 app. Ideal battery voltage is 11 volts; recharge or swap the battery if it drops below 10 volts.
Inspect Sensors: Use the app to check infrared light beam detectors. Values below 1000 indicate the sensors need cleaning. Use baby wipes, a cloth, or a toothbrush, and trigger the trap first for safe cleaning.
Stats: The AT220 app tracks the number of kills and triggers. Record the kill numbers (not triggers) in Trap.nz, keeping in mind that actual carcasses might be an under-count due to predation. Remember to reset the counts to zero.
By keeping up with these maintenance tips, your AT220 trap should stay highly effective. If you encounter any issues, please let us know - we’re happy to help. For more information, refer to the NZAutotrap AT220 manual linked here. Thanks for all your hard work!
