Live Catch Traps: Tips for Success

Live catch traps are great for catching possums, ferrets, stoats, and feral cats, especially in areas where pets are around. Here’s a quick guide to help you get the most out of your traps.

Setting Up Your Trap

Location: Set your trap in spots where you see the most pest activity—along fences, near compost bins, or close to food sources. Make sure it’s on a flat, solid surface and sheltered from the weather but still easy to access. Avoid areas where pets or kids might accidentally trigger it.

Bait: Use bait that will attract your target. For rodents, peanut butter or sunflower seeds work well. For possums, go with fruits or vegetables. If you're targeting ferrets or feral cats, try meat-based baits like leftover chicken or fish scraps. Place the bait at the far end of the trap so the animal has to enter fully to reach it.

Maintaining Your Trap

Check Regularly: By law, you need to check your live-capture trap every day, though you can use a webcam for remote monitoring. Regular checks are crucial to minimise stress for captured animals and ensure the trap’s in good working order. Make sure to humanely kill any pests you catch.

Non-Target Species: Keep an eye out for non-target animals like domestic cats, or birds such as blackbirds and thrushes. If you catch these, you can safely release them unharmed. If you catch a stray cat, contact a local animal shelter or rescue for advice.

Handle with Care: Always wear gloves for hygiene and to avoid leaving scents that might scare away other pests.

Disposal of Carcasses: On farms or lifestyle blocks, you can bury them or leave them out for scavengers. On smaller properties, wrap the carcass in newspaper and toss it with your regular rubbish.

Monitor and Adjust: If your traps aren’t catching anything, try adjusting their placement or changing the bait. Sometimes a small tweak can make a big difference.

Local Trap Hire Information

Waikato District Council (WDC) has live catch traps available for hire. You’ll need a $100 cash bond, but $75 is refunded when you return the trap. To hire one, visit Greer at the Tamahere WDC office hub (first floor by the Tamahere pharmacy) or call the WDC Animal Control Unit at 0800 492 452.

Got any questions or need more help? Just reach out. Happy trapping, Tamahere!