A simple trapping tunnel
This is a great trap to place in trees to catch for tree-dwelling ship rats. A T-Rex or Victor trap works well with this tunnel.
Materials you’ll need:
- Corflute – 90cm x 30cm (or ¼ of a standard real estate sign)
- 6x cable ties
- 1x nail
- 2x mesh squares – 9cm x 15cm (or 7 squares of 12 by 12mm mesh)
- Craft knife
- Tin snips or pliers
- Ruler
Step 1 – cut the corflute
Along the long edge of the corflute, measure and mark points at 100mm, 255mm, 345mm, 495mm, 585mm and 735mm. Using your ruler and craft knife, score a perpendicular line at each mark, cutting about halfway through the corflute.
Step 2 – shape the tunnel
Bend along each score line to create seven rectangular panels. Roll the corflute up to create your tunnel. The inside dimensions should be 150mm tall and 90mm wide.
Step 3 – attach the edges
Create a hole with the craft knife at each end to cable tie the loose side flap of the tunnel.
Step 4 – add the door
At one end attach a piece of mesh with two cable ties (these will be a hinge for the tunnel door). Bend over one row of mesh at the ‘bottom’ (opposite edge to the hinge) and push a nail through the mesh and into the base of the tunnel to secure the door.
Step 5 – make the opening
On the other end, fold each side of the mesh so it sits across the opening and has space for a rat to enter. Cable tie this mesh to the tunnel.
Step 6 – attach it to a tree
Trim the cable ties and tie or nail your tunnel to a tree.