Reserves to benefit from possum and rat control programme

Native bush and birds along the Western Hutt Hills will benefit from a possum and rat control operation commencing on 18 February.

Greater Wellington Biosecurity Officer Gary Sue says the Western Hutt Hills control areas will cover the four Hutt City reserves from Maungaraki through to Belmont. The new area complements existing operations currently undertaken in Korokoro Valley, Speedys Reserve and Kelson in association with Hutt City Council.

The Greater Wellington operation is part of an ongoing programme to keep possum and rat numbers low. “This programme will be of huge benefit to the native species in the area, as well as to neighbouring properties, enabling native trees to regenerate and fruit, providing food and a safe place for native birds to breed.”

The control methods to be used are Cholecalciferol cereal pellets dyed green (Decal), Brodifacoum cereal pellets dyed blue, Pindone possum and rat pellets and Timms traps.

All bait will be dispensed from bait stations, secured high in trees out of reach of children and pets wherever possible. Timms traps will be set at ground level. Decal pellets may also be dispensed in small blue plastic bags secured within a bait station.

“Once possum and rat numbers have decreased significantly we will follow up with a maintenance programme to keep them at low levels, which will involve refilling all existing bait stations with a slower acting toxin on a three monthly cycle,” says Mr Sue. “Rats breed rapidly and need ongoing intensive baiting,” he says.

Although every care is taken and the methods used present low levels of risk to the public and their pets, Mr Sue advises that care must be taken with young children and dogs.

“People should adhere carefully to precautions and warning signs in the treated areas. Do not touch or handle traps, bait or bait stations and stay on formed tracks at all times. Warning signs will be posted at access points to all public land being treated,” says Mr Sue.

Dogs most at risk are those that scavenge dead animals and are allowed to roam unsupervised. Mr Sue warns owners to keep their dogs on leads, stay on formed tracks and not to let them scavenge. “If dogs eat whole or part of a possum carcass or bait they should be taken to a vet immediately,” he says.

If you suspect poisoning seek medical or veterinary help immediately. All vets, schools and other relevant organisations in the area have been notified of the operation.