Step-by-Step Guide: Choosing the Right Trap for Possums, Cats, Stoats & More

Predator control is essential for protecting New Zealand’s native wildlife.

Whether you’re dealing with possums in your backyard, feral cats spreading disease to your stock, or stoats threatening bird populations, choosing the right live-capture trap is the first step toward effective, humane pest management.

This guide will help you select the best trap for your needs and set it up for success.

Why Humane Trapping Matters

New Zealand’s unique ecosystem is under constant pressure from introduced predators. Possums, stoats, ferrets, and even hedgehogs prey on native birds, eggs, and insects.

Humane live-capture traps allow you to:

• Remove pests without harming non-target species.
• Release pets or native animals safely.
• Comply with legal and ethical standards.

Step 1: Identify Your Target Species

Different predators require different trap sizes and designs:

• Possums & Feral Cats: Large cage traps or Tunnel Traps
• Stoats & Ferrets: Large cage traps or Tunnel Traps for double-door efficiency.
• Rabbits & Hedgehogs: Medium cage traps or Tunnel Traps for trap wary rabbits.
• Magpies & Birds: Specialized bird traps.

Step 2: Choose the Right Trap

Here’s a quick comparison:

• Tunnel Trap: Double-door design. Highly effective for trap shy/wary predators, or the last few hard to catch pests.
• Tunnel Trap MK2: as above, made of alumiunium - ideal for extreme coastal conditions.
• Large Cage Trap: Great for cats and possums; sturdy and reusable. Collapsible for storage
• Medium Cage Trap: Perfect for ferrets, and hedgehogs.
  
• Pro Cage Trap: Ideal for domestic cats, also possums. Sturdy and robust.
• Magpie Bird & Animal Trap: works well for magpies and other large birds.

Step 3: Select the Best Bait

Bait is critical for success:

• Possums: Fresh fruit, peanut butter, or cinnamon paste
• Cats: Salty things - Fish-based bait or canned cat food.
• Stoats/Ferrets: Fresh Meat or Eggs.
• Hedgehogs: Eggs, Peanut Butter or Meat
• Magpies: Fatty items - dog roll, butter or cheese

Step 4: Position Your Trap

• Place traps along animal tracks or near food sources.
• Use natural runways - hedges & fences
• Ensure traps are stable and camouflaged.
• Avoid areas where pets roam.

Step 5: Check Regularly

• Inspect traps daily to prevent stress or harm to captured animals.
• Release non-target species promptly.
• Reset traps with fresh bait as needed.

Quick FAQ

Q: Are live-capture traps legal in NZ?

Yes, provided you check traps regularly and release non-target animals safely.

Q: Can I use these traps for domestic cats?

Yes, but ensure you comply with local regulations and handle animals humanely.

Q: How often should live capture traps be checked?

Cage traps and live capture traps should be checked every 24 hours.

Ready to Start?

Explore our range of Tunnel Traps, large, medium, and pro traps designed for humane, effective predator control.

Shop Live-Capture Traps Now