Government proposes to bring forward
BAN ON SHARK FINNING
A
utumn is associated with falling golden
leaves and earlier nights as the quiet
season begins to settle in. However,
this usually scenic time of year also coincides
with the abundance of rodents as they feed off
the seeds dropped from trees.
Although poisons are a fast and effective way
to get rid of these unwanted pests, there are
other options that protect children, pets and
other wild life from being harmed. (See sidebar
for description of effective traps.) Where’s the
“Pied Piper” when you really need him?
Local veterinarian Dr. Lynda Evans, tells us
these poisons do put our pets at serious risk
and may even cause death. “Cases spike
during this time of year with many going
unreported. Some owners are unaware their
pet has been poisoned until it’s too late.”
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Dogs will sometimes eat the anti-coagulant
poison, and might even like it, even though
most are flavoured with a bittering agent. It
looks like a grainy textured block with blue
colouring. If your pup has blue poo, that is a
sign they have consumed some rat bait and
is already in big trouble as the effects have
started to act.
“Your dog may not show complications or
symptoms for several days and, in some cases,
up to 3 weeks while the poison is quietly using
up the pet’s clotting factors”, Lynda explains.
“It will depend on the dose and type of anti-
coagulant.”
If you know your dog has consumed rat bait,
she recommends ringing your vet immediately,
trying to get the pet to vomit, and getting to
a vet quickly. Look also for weakness, pale
gums, laboured breathing, pounding heart,
bleeding from nostrils or black faeces.
Your vet will usually administer vitamin K; this
helps the blood clot normally. They may even
administer a blood transfusion.
Lynda tells us cats generally will not eat the
bait directly, but can be at risk from secondary
poisoning. If your kitty has consumed a rat or
mouse, keep close watch for unusual behaviour
or any of the symptoms above. Ring your vet if
you are concerned.
BAIT STATIONS
A local group, Rat Attack, recommends using
bait stations positioned off the ground or in
trees, ideally out of public view and away from
ground feeding birds, pets or children. Their
ultimate aim is protecting the last remnants of
our native bird species through pest control, as
rats will eat eggs and small birdies.
CHOOSING TO GO TOXIN FREE!
Although poisons are a fast and effective way
to do this, there are other options available.
See sidebar for a guide to traps that provide
effective, non-toxic forms of pest control.
Creating a toxin free environment is important
for avoiding terrible deaths for our beloved
pets, but it is important to remember that cats
and dogs who will hunt a rodent will also hunt
other wildlife, including our precious birds.
So do your part – put a bell on your cat’s collar
and make sure your dog is kept fenced on your
premises or leashed when not.
NON TOXIC PEST CONTROL OPTIONS
Capture traps
are effective high pressure metal
traps that lure pests into a box with food bait, killing it
instantly. The carcass is within the box so it cannot be
eaten by larger predators. Used by the Department of
Conservation (DOC) and contractors.
Self re-setting capture traps
are the latest in pest
control. Re-setting traps manually is labour intensive,
a major cost for commercial and public services.
Therefore, CO2 compressed gas powers a piston which
strikes the pest’s skull. It automatically re-sets itself.
Go to
find out more.
Snap traps
can be purchased cheaply from the local
market or hardware store. Place these simple spring
loaded traps in places pets and children cannot reach.
Rodents prefer to run next to walls and have routes they
follow. Look for telltale signs – droppings or dark
colouring left from oil on their feet – then set traps.
Rat zappers
are battery powered and might appeal
to you squeamish types who desire a squish-free
alternative. Rodents lured to the zapper are given a
deadly, fast electrocution. They are easy to set up –
just a flick of the switch. See
Protecting our Pets
while ridding our rodents
PHOTO BY MICHELLE McEWAN
Other pest control tips to try:
• Trim trees that overhang your roof – an easy
gateway for rats to get into your house/roof
• Clear underbush from around your house and keep
your house clean
• Seal nooks and crannies
• No bird feeders – rats love seeds, too!
These two darlings belong to Michele McEwan, who captured this moment with her trusty camera. Though
wary at first, these two have become the best of friends, hanging out, getting into mischief and play fighting
together on a daily basis . . . and yes, Spike the cat is always the winner!
KNOW YOUR RATS
New Zealand’s rodents were relatively recent
imports. Those with most seniority would be
the Polynesian rat, the
kiore
(
Rattus exulans
),
that arrived with the Maori ancestors from
Polynesia, perhaps 700 years ago. These rats
ate berries, so the Maori ate this berry filled
delicacy; remnants of this species are now
only on Fiordland and some outer islands.
European sailors delivered the Norway rats
(
Rattus norvegicus
) starting in the 1700s. The
biggest of the rats, they destroyed most of the
kiore. Good swimmers but bad climbers, they
live in burrows up to five feet deep; they can
even chew through lead pipes. Use ground
level traps to nab these.
Ship rats (
Rattus rattus
) are good climbers
and live in trees, preying on tree nesting
birds. They live in forests and scamper across
city rooftops all over New Zealand. Traps
to manage them work best in trees, on high
fence rails, in attics, and rooftops. You will
probably hear them scampering over your roof
or ceiling.
All rats are nocturnal, nearly blind, and find
their way around by touch and smell.
IN WHANGAMATA
: 702 Port Road
(Near Cinema)
IN TAIRUA:
Main Road
(Next to Tairua Bakery)
IN PAUANUI:
Airfield Office, Harvard Place
Dr Lynda Evans
•
07 864 9009
24 HOURS
Coromandel Real Estate
Photographers
Ltd
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p
021 116 2266 - 07 866 3590
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• Elevated photos
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46
COROMANDEL LIFE LATE AUTUMN/WINTER
