11 Oct 2016

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New pest control traps are proving fruitful in the city’s parks and red zone fringe areas with one trap alone netting 13 possums last month.

The new gas traps, which self-reset after each pest has been caught, were placed throughout the Horseshoe Lake area in mid to late July, and rangers are already seeing great results.

Christchurch City Council Coastal and Plains Head Ranger Rodney Chambers said the Council was committed to on going pest control, and the new traps were the met the highest humane standards.

"We’ve had a number of pests spreading into reserves such as Horseshoe Lake Reserve and we are working to keep them under control to protect the city’s natural environment.

“The new traps that we have use the latest technology to fight pest invasion and already we’re seeing some pretty impressive results after the first month.”

Mr Chambers said possums damaged native plants and were also a threat to many native species including snails, beetles and native birds.  They also could impact urban trees and gardens.

“Pest control is part of the Council’s Biodiversity Strategy and the new traps we are using are getting impressive results.

“The traps self-reset after each catch. They’re small, safe, easy to install and the formula used in them contains no toxin so there is zero risk of secondary poisoning to native species or pets. The traps kill pests instantly and have met the highest humane standards in independent testing.”