These are recipes from DoC and Predator Free Nz.
Somewhat ironically both are completely edible to humans as well!
Bait recipes and Lure tips
Bait – Francis’ Peanut Butter and Rolled Oats
Ingredients (Makes your peanut butter go further/cost less)
· 500gm Peanut Butter
· 200 gm Rolled oats
· 200gms Margarine
· 100 mls Vegetable oil
Recipe
Heat ingredients together in the microwave and stir until semi fluid.
How to use
Use liberally in bait cup and around trapping tunnel. Store in closed container in fridge to avoid separation (FYI I keep my ‘own’ peanut butter in the fridge all the time to avoid separation, try it!)
NB: Ants can take the soluble mixture but they can’t get away with the rolled oats, so there should always be something left to attract rats. If you have trouble with slugs and snails just lay some salt around the tunnel or use a bit of slug bait (but make sure it’s out of the way of pets)
Also note with Hawke’s Bays warm weather you may want to add a bit more rolled oats in summer to ensure the bait holds it’s shape.
Lure – Cam’s ‘Old-time Trapper’ Stopper Mix
Ingredients (adjust to suit your needs)
1kg plain flour
100gm icing sugar
100gm milk powder (the protein is attractive to rats)
10mls – 2 tsps – of some form of lure (vanilla, peach, cinnamon)
Recipe
Layer your chosen lure into the dry mix in a large plastic bin (with a lid), and stir thoroughly to allow the scent to impregnate right through. Transfer the ‘stopper’ mix into a portable container, such as 2 litre milk bottle container for use in the backyard or the field.
How to use
Throw a handful of the mix on the ground or rub onto trees near (NOT on!) trapping devices. Note if you have dogs – yes I’m afraid they will eat it!
Also scuff the ground severely around trap each visit (and drop a little lure on it) – This is to create as much interest as possible for the pest to come check your trap out!
Dog biscuits/kibble
I have also found this a great attractant and lure for the DoC 200 traps. Though not settable on the Modified victors we mainly use, you could still sprinkle some inside the tunnel to entice the rats, or blend some into the baits/lures above.
Caught rat/mouse
Use a freshly caught rat or mouse as a lure to attract other pest animals. Place the dead rat or mouse directly next to the trapping tunnel. If you aren’t squeamish you could also rub the pest over the trapping tunnel to scent it.
Predator Free Urban HB 