Incursion response for rats, mice and mink
This section has the resources you need to help deal with 'Probable' or 'Definite' sign of rats, mice, or mink.
Act quickly and follow the guidelines.
You need to act quickly to kill the animal(s).
Rodent and mink incursions have huge consequences for seabirds and people.
One single pregnant rodent means a population will establish quickly and eradications are very expensive.
Your prompt action is vital.
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This sections explains how to respond to;
Probable signs of rats and mice (may include clear toothmarks, droppings, footprints or brief sightings).
Definite signs of rats and mice (may include carcasses, clear photographs and clear sightings made by people with experience).
Probable signs of mink (may include droppings, partial footprints or brief sightings).
Definite signs of mink (may include carcasses, clear photographs and clear sightings made by people with experience of mustelids or positive DNA evidence).
When responding to probable or definite signs of rodents, stay calm, act quickly and follow these 10 steps.
Animal welfare must be a primary consideration when using traps. It is important to ensure that the right trapping methods are used, and in the right way.
The mink raft is can be used for surveillance but also for trapping mink as and when required. It detects mink footprints in clay, so a trap only needs be set when there is evidence of a mink present.
These guidelines contain a flow diagram with instructions on how to identify a probable or confirmed rodent incursion, and how to set up and monitor an incursion response grid using rodenticide bait
If a rodent incursion does occur on the island , this toolkit will help to inform which response should be taken. The key message is to be prepared and act quickly.
If a sighting is reported (from a third person, shipwreck or other event) a site inspection needs to be carried out to confirm presence of an invasive mammalian predator and the necessary response actions. Follow these guidelines.
We have a number of consultants available to discuss your project with you. Find out more about how Biosecurity for LIFE’s network can assist you.
Sourcing funding for your project is an important first step for your biosecurity work. Here we signpost to possible funders.