Possum, wasp help offered

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 389, 4 June 1991, Page 5

Possum, wasp help offered

People are being encouraged to carry out their own possum control by the Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council, who have come up with a self-help pest destruction scheme. "Timms" possum traps can be hired for as long as necessary simply by paying a $35 deposit.

The Timms trap is a lightweight (1.25kg) plastic box (260mm high by 180mm by 165mm) with a hole in one side. It is bright yellow which attracts the naturally curious possum. When the possum puts its head inside and takes the bait it trips a striker bar and it's neck is forced upwards into the confined upper part of the keyhole shaped opening. The Timms trap is humane. Death is caused by compressing the arteries to the brain and is there - fore quick and painless. Possums are nocturnal, thcy feed at night and sleep during the day. To survive, possums need dry nesting areas and build their dens in a variety of warm, dry places. Inside walls or roofs of houses and sheds, hollow logs, holes in banks, standing hollow trees, clumps of flax, gorse or bracken fern and round hay bales are all likely places Although possums are tree dwellcrs thcy can move across opcn country at a reasonable speed. They are very wary and appear to follow the same track night after night. this constant use produccs a distinctive flattened pathway through grass or undergrowth, known as a possum pad. At times it is possible to follow this pad, which is usually used by several possums, back to the den site. To achieve the best results the trap should be placed near likely den sites, on possum pads or near where possums feed. The trap can be set on ■ level ground or nailed to a piece of board and placed in a tree or on a roof. The Timms trap is particularly useful around houses and areas

where domestic animals such as cats may by present. Cats will seldom put their heads in to small openings such as

this trap has, especially if the trap is baited with fruit. The trap is extremely effective if baited with apple, carrot, orange or kiwifruit. Apple and citrus are the easiest to use. Baits must be firm and fresh and changed frequently. A small amount of lure

such as curry or aniseed will make the bait more attractive. A dead possum should be disposed of by burial. Further information on the Timms trap can be obtained from Regional Council offices. The phone number for the Taumarunui Service Centre is (0812) 55 209.

A brochure is also available which details safety precautions and gives tips on trap positioning and baits. Wasp help The regional council also offers a control service for other agricultural pests. Wasps often lodge themselves in

places like urban houses, trees and farm buildings. Regional Council staff will come and clear the nests away

if they are notified of their presence. They will also assist in the removal of rabbits and hares.