Reusable Compostable Pouch for Possum Attraction
In an effort to improve the efficiency and safety of possum control operations, the Department of Conservation has introduced an updated design for its cyanide-based possum bait station. The new design, developed in collaboration with earthpak (formerly Potatopak), features three cavities for the cyanide pills, as opposed to the previous two.
This design change, aimed at enhancing bait security and toxicity delivery efficiency, allows for better placement and containment of multiple cyanide pills. The additional cavity increases the likelihood that the target possum consumes a lethal dose while minimizing risks of bait tampering or loss.
The new design, which is based on earthpak's potato plate technology, offers a more compact product. This compactness enables the bait station to be stapled to a tree, making it easier to deploy in various environments.
The decision to increase the number of cyanide pill cavities was influenced by the need to optimize operational effectiveness and animal safety. By ensuring precise bait delivery, the updated design aims to improve the impact of possum control efforts.
Richard Williams, the Director of earthpak, led the development of the new possum bait station design. The adjustments made to the design, including the addition of a third cavity, were based on standard pest control principles and practical lessons from operational experience and animal behavior observations.
The new possum bait station is now available for use in pest control operations managed by organisations such as OSPRI. The increased price of the updated design reflects the improvements made to its functionality and design.
- The new possum bait station, based on environmental-science principles and technology, includes an additional cavity for cyanide pills, aiming to enhance the efficiency of toxicity delivery and minimize risks.
- Richard Williams, a leader in the field of science and technology, developed the updated possum bait station design in collaboration with earthpak, using their potato plate technology to make it more compact and effective for various environments.
