Rat blitz tackles urban rats

A community-led blitz to eradicate rats from urban reserves is gearing up and workshops are in place to drum up more volunteer support.

Pest Free Kaipatiki’s recent ‘chew card’ survey revealed a signification rat problem in North Shore’s Kaipatiki community, above and beyond other pests such as possums.

Now, the organisation will be hosting workshops throughout October to train volunteers on pest control, trap setting and baiting, ahead of the month-long blitz in November.

Engagement coordinator Pam Templeton said the rat blitz is ‘Year One’ of a 10-year pest control strategy.

The programme is timed to align with the Auckland Biosecurity’s baiting schedule and rat breeding season.

Rats and predators are destroying native biodiversity by reducing bird populations, competing for food and damaging habitat in reserves and back yards, Templeton said.

‘‘Collectively, we can all play a part to provide a safer habitat for all our native wildlife to give the birds a fighting chance.’’

Trap setting will begin in Kaipatiki’s Rangatira Reserve, Shepherds Park and Eskdale Reserve.

Workshops take place October 7, 16, 21 and 28. Contact info@pestfreekaipatiki.org.nz.

‘‘Collectively, we can all play a part to provide a safer habitat for all our native wildlife to give the birds a fighting chance’’

Pam Templeton

SUPPLIED Volunteer workshops run throughout October, ready for November’s ‘‘Rat Blitz’’.