Pest trap library coming to Whakamārama

The trap was set for Debra Jager two years ago while listening to a Radio NZ interview with Alison Evans called “Let’s get trapping”. Since then, Debra has been caught up with the national goal of New Zealand being Predator Free by 2050 and she is doing her bit by setting up a pest trap library in Whakamārama with the help of Department of Conservation’s (DoC) Community Fund.

The trap library will loan locals the right type of predator control device to remove problematic pests like rats, hedgehogs, possums and stoats. The aim is to remove mammalian pests so the birds, trees and wildlife come back to the Whakamārama area.

“When I first heard the interview about pest trap libraries, I thought it was a great idea and that we should have one in Whakamārama,” Debra said.

Along with her husband, Debra pondered the idea with conservationists Bob Cooper, Colin Hewens, Anne Mackersey and local Pirirākau member Carlton Bidois.

“During our conversation, Bob expressed his vision to get traps on lifestyle blocks and commercial properties in Whakamārama to increase predator control in the area and supplement the trapping already being done by The Friends of the Blade group. I innocently mentioned about the pest trap library idea, and before I knew it, I was welcomed into the fold of Whakamārama Community Incorporated (WCI) as the lead for a pest trap library,” Debra said.

To get the library off the ground, funding was needed. WCI applied for funding from DoC Community Fund and was successful in getting a grant for $10,400 over 2 years.

The DoC Community Fund contribution will be used to purchase a shipping container to house the library, predator control traps and for administrative costs.

The urban backyard trapping program Predator Free BoP have also come onboard with a donation of 10 rat traps to the library along with the offer of one free rat trap to property owners in the area.

The community initiative will be located centrally next to the Whakamārama Community Hall and is available to

Debra Jager and Neville Dunton of Whakamārama Community Incorporated. PHOTO: Supplied.

Whakamārama locals.

“It’s a community affair with locals helping get the site ready and the Katikati Men’s Shed will be making the trap boxes for the library,” Debra said.

Initially the library will be open once a week for 2 – 3 hours and traps will be loaned for an initial three months, with a right to renew traps for a further three months maximum. Bait recommendations and trapping tips will be provided.

Communities nearby have already heard rumours about the Whakamārama trap library and have been getting in touch with Debra to learn the ropes of how they can set up their own. This is the power of communities working together and helping each other out, so watch out pests – your time in Whakamārama and New Zealand are numbered. Contact Debra at Whakapesttraps@protonmail.com