My eRATication Journey: From “We Don’t Have Rats Here” to Making a Difference
I got involved with Predator Free Cromwell because I care deeply about the beautiful environment we’re so lucky to live in. I love our native wildlife and the birds singing each morning. But I have to admit, I wasn’t immediately sold on trapping.
Still, I could see the bigger picture. There’s no point encouraging pūteketeke to nest on the lake if we can’t also protect their eggs and chicks from predators. Restoring balance between introduced predators and our native species felt like something I could - and should - help with. Especially if I’m asking others to do their part!
I made a personal choice not to use poisoned bait on our property. We’re mostly organic, and with young children and dogs around, trapping felt like the safest and most responsible option.
To be honest, I didn’t even think we had rats. I’d never seen one - just the occasional field mouse in winter. But I used a tracking tunnel through the eRATication programme… and there they were. Rat paw prints. Right here!
I set up a trap inside a wooden tunnel, which keeps kids and pets safe and makes sure rats approach the trap the right way. I learned that rats are neophobic - suspicious of anything new - so I wore gloves when setting it, tucked leaf litter around the tunnel to make it feel natural, and left the entrances clear so nothing looked “off.”
For bait, I used peanut butter. Later, after one of the kids spotted a ‘big mouse’ in the chicken shed, I moved the trap there and added a little chicken feed. I ended up catching two rats in that spot, and none since.
I thought disposal might be the hardest part, but honestly, it’s not as unpleasant as I expected. I wear gloves, keep it simple, and now only need to check the trap about once a week. It’s quick, manageable, and feels worthwhile.
Most importantly, I know I’m doing something positive for our local environment. If you’re unsure about trapping, or think you don’t have rats, I’d encourage you to give it a go. You might be surprised by what you find … and by how easy it is to make a difference.
Mary Hinsen
Cromwell Community Trapper