STOATS AND WEASELS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 February 1939, Page 4

STOATS AND WEASELS

EXTERMINATION METHODS.

LURE OF DEAD BAITS. In view of the decision of the Auckland Acclimatisation Society to conduct a vigorous campaign for the extermination of vermin, which have constituted a great menace to game and native birds, it is advisable that

successful methods of destroying stoats and weasels should be detailed. It is recommended by the ■ federation of North Auckland Acclimatisation Societies that the jawed rabbit trap, which snaps closed when sprung by its victim, is an efficient means of killing vermin.

Stoats are intensely curious and methodical, always using the same little runs or tracks from their habitat. If it is suspected that they are living in a piece of bush, hollow log, pile of timber or stone walls, the vicinity should be examined for signs of runs. Artificial runs may be constructed with the aid of a small drain pipe covered with turf, or a hole may be pierced through a hillock of turf. A hole in a stone wall or bank will answer the same purpose, but care should be taken that the animal can see right through.

Traps should be set near the end of the runs, being set into the ground level with the tracks, after being lightly covered with earth or grass to conceal the traps as much as possible without impairing their efficiency. The surrounding area where runs are created should be covered with a sprinkling of small -brush tea-tree or .similar material found in the vicinity. A dead stoat will serve as an effective lure for others of its species, which will be attracted long distances by the scent. At the end of a run a dead stoat or other bait should be suspended some 12in. or 18in. above the trap. If several traps are buried in a circle, with the dead animal swinging over them, the chances are that curiosity will cause live stoats to sit up and smell the other, thus coming in contact with one or more of the traps.