Huge Milestone Achieved by Our Pest Free Programme

The Beautification Trust's pest free team have caught TWO THOUSAND PESTS!

Pest Free Activator Lenny has been working with dozens of volunteers and community members to set up and maintain traplines and backyard rat traps in Manurewa and Papakura. Over the last 5 or so years, the catches have been increasing as more and more community join us for this amazing mahi.

Predators such as rats, hedgehogs and possums consume native wildlife like insects, birds, and plants, endangering species and stopping the growth of flora.

So what does catching 2,000 pests mean for our environment?

• 2,000 fewer predators eating our native plants, insects, and bird eggs

• 2,000 fewer predators reproducing

• 2,000 fewer predators competing with native birds for food like fruit and seeds

Lenny and the volunteers work with partners like Pest Free South Auckland, Totara Heights Bush Guardians, Auckland Parks and Auckland Council to do everything they can to track not just catches, but also their movement, concentration, and type so that we can decrease pest numbers, AND keep them down for good. A big thank you to Manurewa Local Board and Papakura Local Board for funding this important mahi.

Ngaa mihi nui, team!

Every bit helps! Inspired to set up a trap in your own backyard? Reach out to Lenny with any queries at pestfree@beautification.org.nz