If trapping can be fun, then possum trapping surely is it! There are lots of them, they are inquisitive, and you can build up good catch tally’s quickly if you live in a target rich environment. But, all is not milk and honey. Over time it will get harder to catch them partly because there are less of them, and partly because the ones left might be more trap shy.
There are currently 8 NAWAC approved possum traps on the market, and many more that are not approved, such as the industry workhorse, the Timms trap. All of the traps are “snap” traps, and all but one and single catch traps, the NZ Autotrap being the only automated multi-catch trap.
Most also are tree mounted, yet we know possums spend a great deal of time on the ground. None of these traps are perfect and none of them will catch ALL of your possums. But using a variety of traps and baits, maybe supplemented with shooting, dogs, or poison your chances of wiping out your local population is increased!
Trapinator
Description
- The Trapinator is a tree mounted trap that is highly effective targeting possums
- It’s light, durable, portable, and easy to use.
Target Pest(s)
- NAWAC approved for possums
Pros
- Lightweight, compact and durable
- Very easy to set and clear
- Stackable for easy carrying
- Easy to clean
- Relatively cheap
Cons
- Like many traps of this nature, it requires the possum to pull down on the bite bar
- Possibly less durable than a wooden trap long term
Our Comment:
This is our “go to” possum trap! It’s easy to use, traps a good percentage of possums that interact with it, and it’s easy to clear and set.
Buy From ….
- Borrow for up to 3 months from Akaroa Trap Library for free (donations welcome)
- Buy from Akaroa Trap Library (while stocks last) – $50
- Trapinator – $42 + GST + freight
Timms Trap
Description
- The Timms trap is an industry-standard possum kill trap found in many rural New Zealand backyards.
- Designed to sit on the ground, the Timms trap is strong, lightweight, compact, and easy to use.
Target Pest(s)
- Possums, not NAWAC approved
- Flipping Timmy is NAWAC approved
Pros
- Easy to bait and safe to set using the “pull cord”
- Durable – tough polyethylene plastic
Cons
- Ground based so it must be baited only for possums to exclude non-target species
- No longer NAWAC approved
Our Comment:
Easy to use and set and one of New Zealand’s most popular possum kill traps. However it is no longer NAWAC approved, although the new “Flipping Timmy” is.
Buy From:
- Connovation – $57.00 + GST
Flipping Timmy
Description
- The Flipping Timmy is an evolution of the classic Timms trap.
- While it can be ground mounted, the big change is that tree mounting is now simple and easy.
Target Pest(s)
- NAWAC approved for Possums
Pros
- Easy to bait and safe to set using the “pull cord”
- Unique opening design.
- Durable – tough polyethylene plastic
- Supports fresh bait (fruit) or lure
Cons
- A little hard to “unset”
- Ground based setting could attract non-target animals
Our Comment:
A solid and well designed trap, and are now NAWAC approved. They appear to be designed more for fruit rather than lure, whereas our preference is lure. We’re testing to see how they go!
Buy From:
NZ Auto Traps – AT220
Description
- Currently the only self-resetting kill trap for possums
- Tree mounted
Target Pest(s)
- NAWAC approved for ship rats and possums
- Triggered to kill rats, mice and possums
Pros
- Resets after every kill with up to 100 cycles before services (battery and bait)
- Auto rebaiting
- Bait theft reduced by triggering for possums, rats and mice
- Catches a variety of pests
Cons
- Cost
- We’ve had several possums escape …
- Lure is expensive
Our Comment:
These traps are relatively new, but have been used with outstanding success in the Opua Forest. PF Banks Peninsula is also about to deploy over 300.
Buy From:
Possum Facts
Possums damage our native forests by browsing on foliage, flowers and fruit. They also prey on our native fauna and compete with native birds and reptiles for food sources such as nectar
Possum Traps
You might have seen the industry workhorse, the Timms trap, but there are many more effective traps available these days. Our guide will help choose the trap that’s right for you.
Possum Trapping Tips
Possums spend around 85% of their time in trees, have a poor sense of smell, and males vs females have very different behavior. Here’s our possum trapping tips.
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