Tips for Using OSKA Pied Piper Bait Stations

Di June with the OSKA bait stations—big thanks for the generous donation!

We’re delighted to have received some OSKA Pied Piper bait stations, generously passed on to us by Selwyn & Di June from the Pirongia Te Aroaro o Kahu Restoration Society, who were gifted them through OSPRI’s TB control programme. These bait stations are a great addition to our pest control toolkit. While they might not be as easy to attach to trees or hold as much bait as some other models, they’re still an excellent way to boost our trapping efforts. Just be sure to keep an eye on bait levels, and they’ll work like a charm!

Tips for Using OSKA bait stations:

Tim trying to secure an OSKA bait station up the tree—flat ground is easier! Credit - C Jackson

Place the bait station on the ground, allowing rodents access from both ends. Clear away any grass around it to keep the bait dry and prevent mould.

Use wire pegs to anchor the station, especially if you’ve got possums around, as they could knock it loose if it’s not properly secured.

To load the station, push out the white clips on the orange top to remove it. Place bait pellets or blocks inside the inner compartment or the top, depending on your target—use the inner compartment for rats. Make sure the orange lid is securely clicked back on to keep out possums and other animals.

We recommend using 1st generation baits like Pindone or Ditrac. These are safer around pets and reduce the risk of secondary poisoning compared to 2nd generation baits like Brodifacoum (Pestoff blue blocks).

The station can hold at least 6 Ditrac bait blocks. If you can check your bait station regularly, it might be more efficient to start with 4 blocks and top up as needed to minimise wastage. Be sure to monitor the station over the next few days to ensure it hasn’t run out—rats need a steady supply of bait over about 5 days to consume a lethal dose. Typically, 50% of rats will die after eating ¼-½ of a Ditrac block, but plan on 1 block per rat to avoid under-dosing.

If you find the bait stations are being emptied really quickly, fill them up as much as possible and check daily until consumption slows down. And add some traps to help tackle the infestation more effectively!

Always keep pets away from bait stations, and store any extra bait securely.

If you’ve got any questions or need a hand, just let us know. Happy trapping!