Ngongotahā 'rat pack' hoping to eradicate rats

A "rat pack" has formed in Ngongotahā with the goal of eradicating rats on properties between the Waiteti and Ngongotahā streams.

So far the crew of about eight have been building poisonless rat traps and liaising with neighbours to see if there's an interest in having them on their properties.

"Rats are a problem because they carry diseases, kill ducklings and eat bird eggs and nestlings," organiser Martyn Evans said.

Evans and his neighbour Delight Gartlein live along the lake's edge and said rats are frequently seen there.

"We want to get rid of as many rats as possible before our birds start nesting," he said.

Evans said they had already planted along the lake's edge to give extra protection for birds while they were nesting.

Neighbours Martin Evans and Delight Gartlein are hoping to eraciate rats from Ngongotahā. Photo/Ben Fraser

"Living down at the lake surrounded by a lot of grassland and houses, the rats are a given.

"They affect the bird population, they're good hunters and they eat eggs."

The group will install rat traps, enclosed in wooden tunnels, on private properties where they have the owners' permission.

The wooden traps are caged at either end to stop larger animals, such as cats, getting into the traps.

No poisons will be used.

"The tunnels make the traps inaccessible to pets or birds," Evans said.

The traps will be closely monitored by the rat pack and they will also empty them if that's easier for people.

The deceased rats would then be wrapped in newspaper and placed in the rubbish, Evans said.

"If we're going to do anything, we've got to do it well."

Gartlein said the project was in its early stages and the group wanted to invite other neighbours to join them.

"We've talked to the neighbours about the rat traps and we're happy to install them, then either us or them will maintain them."

She said the traps would be free of charge to anyone who was happy to have one on their property, but donations were welcome for ongoing costs.

"We're starting small, this is just the beginning."

The group has already consulted with people on their street and placed chew cards out to map the rat population.

Gartlein said there had been 100 per cent enthusiasm from neighbours.