(Prepared by Andrew Sinclair, Whakaupoko Landcare, Andrew@climbingjack.com, Ph 09 2363647).
(Based on Chew Card Protocol developed by AHB. Also information and comment supplied by Peter Sweetapple, Landcare Research). Includes this excellent link for bite mark identification www.landcareresearch.co.nz/publications/researchpubs/chew-card_a_guide_to_the_interpretation_of_animal_tooth_impressions.pdf
Chew Cards are a great tool for monitoring pests. Also they can help you with finding where your pest are, so that you can sort them out. Chew Cards are simple and very effective. Give them a go.
180mm
1 Materials & Baiting
Chew Cards are made from 3mm thick corflute Chew Card
with the flutes parallel with the 90mm edges. 90mm Bait (on opposite sides)
NB: Cut the chew cards accurately with straight edges so that the
amount of bait in each card is uniform. You can purchase chew cards
pre-baited from the likes of Connovation or source them from us
Bait Using smooth peanut butter is most simple. For an even more
attractive bait you can add 20% icing sugar and / or 10% dark honey.
Whatever option you choose stay consistent. One full knife scoop = approx 15 – 20 gms
Use 15 – 20 gms / 10 cards / side
= 2gms / side and 4gms / card
Apply to only half of each side (so air not trapped).
Spreading Bait
Hold cards together and spread bait until all ends up inside
corflute holes. Wipe excess onto edge cards as they often end
up with less. (Note holes of corflute are always on long side).
Use a broad knife or even better a paint scraper
The penetration of the bait should be 12 – 20mm and this can be checked by simply holding up the card in good light and viewing. The spread of bait should be at least 50mm wide.
2 Location
Attach to trees / fences etc, approx 30cm
above ground level using a 50 – 75mm flat head nail.
Fold in half and the top flap leave at approx. 45⁰
(NB: Avoid locating on fence lines with electric wires
as some pests avoid electric fences).
3 Spacing and places to locate Chew Cards.
- In bush use 1 card every 50m and set as a path of best fit in terms of likely pest habitat and ease of locating. If the bush is wider than 200m then include additional lines approximately 150m distant from the first.
- Along shelter lines use a spacing of 100m
- In scattered bush ensure no bush is more than 100m away from a Chew Card
- Locate Chew Cards close to rural houses and other buildings
4 Timing
- Leave Chew Cards in place for 4 -7 days. On finding pest immediately set up pest control as possums for example keep visiting chew card sites for 10 – 11days after they are first put out.
- Choose a time of the year when feed levels are usually quite low eg July / August
5 Interpreting, confirming and recording results
- As well as the excellent Landcare Research link, refer patumahoe.org.nz Go to Whakaupoko Landcare Group Monitoring pages for more information.
