No cheese please: new lure to catch rodents
A scientist has ratted out a new way of luring pests, and it’s set to be released into the market soon.
Wellington researcher Dr Michael Jackson has developed pest lures that emit chemical compounds that are attractive to rats.
He said the problem with food-based lures, such as peanut butter, was that those were likely to go mouldy or be eaten by non-target animals.
‘‘This means they’re only effective for a few days before they need to be replenished, which is costly and time consuming.’’
His invention delivered a sustained release of attractive chemical compounds over an extended time, making them more efficient than traditional lures.
Business and research network KiwiNet awarded Jackson $25,000 as part of its Emerging Innovator programme, which will help him commercialise the product.
Jackson said the support to undertake market analysis was invaluable. ‘‘I’ve been able to talk to, and collaborate with, potential partners across the globe who have experience in developing and selling pest control products.’’
Jackson, part of the School of Biological Sciences at Victoria University of Wellington, started his research into semiochemical (signalling) compounds in 2014 for his PhD thesis. Last year, he and two other colleagues were awarded $360,000 from the Department of Conservation to help develop the lures.
That enabled the team to begin the process of transforming their initial research into viable products.
KiwiNet chief executive Dr James Hutchinson said the long-life lures were a ‘‘fantastic export opportunity’’.
‘‘There is keen interest in the global pest control market for new technologies that are more effective than traditional kill-trapping methods.’’
KiwiNet, which is supported by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment, was pleased to help with the technology.