Bird-Proof Bait Stations

There is a growing trend that professional and amateur trappers alike are noticing: the very birds we are trying to protect are getting in the way, namely by stealing bait and lures that are meant to attract their predators. It is important for us to consider the behaviour of native species when trapping and baiting their predators, and take steps to ensure our actions aren’t backfiring. 

Why is Bait Theft a Problem? 

Our treetop friends have keen senses and are known to be very curious creatures. From nectar and fruits to nuts and seeds, they are always keen for a snack – wherever they can find it. This is where their curiosity can get the best of them. 

With lures and bait being designed to attract pests, naturally they are disguised as food. When birds get in there before the lures have the opportunity to work on pests, they are slashing the efficacy of these trapping measures we take to protect them. Even worse, on occasion, these acts of petty thievery can end with the birds setting off the traps on themselves or ingesting toxins that may prove fatal. 

Unlike most lures, which tend to be non-toxic, baiting involves chemicals specifically targeted to controlling the population of certain species. These chemicals, when ingested by different species, may cause a host of unwelcome symptoms or even death. This is why taking steps to ensure your pest control measures are accounting for eager-eyed birds is a must. 

What Are Bird-Safe Practices?

Whether you’re working rurally to protect large swaths of land or looking to keep your garden pest-free, bird safety is always a concern. Wherever there are birds, there is the risk of them sticking their beaks into your traps. 

There are some simple measures for making backyard trapping bird-friendly: namely by placing lures and setting traps in the evenings, once bird activity has settled down for the night, then checking and disarming them in the morning. However, depending on the size of the area you are covering, and the quantity you’re using, this is not always practicable. This is especially true of bait, which you don’t really want to be handling constantly. 

Some measures you can take to increase bird safety, in backyards or expanded areas, include: 

• Keeping traps and bait in an enclosed container with specific points of entry – using tunnels and bait stations reduces the likelihood of ensnaring unwitting children or non-targeted animals, and keeps bait from spreading into the environment. 
• Reducing entrance area – if the entrance is not already small enough to discourage birds, this can be done using a wire mesh baffle with a cutout big enough for the pests to still pass through (generally a 70mmx70mm gap is enough to keep most birds out), as long as the ends of the wire are filed down properly so they don’t deter the target animals, or by attaching piping to the entrance to add distance as well. 
• Putting traps in places that pests can access but birds are less likely to e.g. sheds or garages.
• Keeping your pest control tools securely mounted – this is not just about securing tunnels and bait stations, but also securing the traps and bait within them as well as possible to prevent birds or other animals from moving them around to gain access. 
• Placing a small amount rather than dolloping when using liquid bait – this keeps the bait from splattering towards the edges which would make it easier for birds to nibble at. 
• Disposing of old bait safely and responsibly – it’s as simple as making sure to clear away any old or mouldy bait before refilling, and taking the used bait back with you to go in a bin rather than dumping it in the bush. 

How Can You Keep Birds Safe from Baiting?

It is so important when working with toxic substances like baits to keep them away from the unwitting – which includes children, pets, and birds. Sometimes the best way to do this is also the easiest: finding products built for the task. Luckily, at Connovation, we have bait stations thoughtfully designed for just this purpose, suitable for home or professional use. 

• A Zig-Zag Rodent Bait Station is an elegant design to keep birds (among other nosy creatures) away from danger. While rats and mice will happily run through the tunnel’s chambers, the zig-zag shape restricts curious hands, noses, and beaks from doing the same. 

• Our Tunnel Bait Station is a simple but effective solution, featuring a “light at the end of the tunnel” approach that encourages rodent exploration and a tamper-proof metal frame to secure bait which makes it difficult for children, pets, and birds to access. 

• The Rodenthor Curve Bait Station allows for extra space inside the container to encourage rodents to feed, while keeping the access point small enough to deter birds. It also contains multiple in-built mounts to keep bait secure. 

Whichever method you’re using to control your pests, whether it’s across acres or in your garden, bait stations allow for easy and safe management of both bait and traps. With designs that have had curious beaks and other wildlife concerns in mind, we take pride in our range of tools available. 

Here at Connovation value practicality, humaneness, and utility in keeping our native species thriving. Helping Aotearoa towards a Predator-Free 2050 has never been easier.