Operation Possum Blitz keeps blitzing the pest

While you've been enjoying the summer, so too have some of Auckland's less welcome guests.
Nemesis of the Auckland possum population is Waitakere's June Henderson. She says the pests can breed twice a year in a warm climate.
"The young stay in the pouch for 5-8 months, after which they ride on the mothers back and leave at one year old."
Figures from 2006 show possums cost New Zealand $111 million.
Mrs Henderson says people with fruit trees and vegetable gardens know only too well the damage caused by possums. "Not to mention the possum's poo on roofs, and decks."
The Titirangi resident is on a mission to rid her garden of possums. But catching the pests on her own property is not enough, so Mrs Henderson and Parau resident Linda Graham are coordinating the efforts to distribute Timms Traps throughout the Waitakere Ranges.
Operation Possum Blitz has been in action since 2009, resulting in about 90 traps in operation. More than 100 possums have been reported as caught.
"Unfortunately not everyone phones back with the numbers," Mrs Henderson says. "I really appreciate getting feedback from the trappers."
She says one 'possum friend' from New Windsor phones her regularly with updates from the suburb.
"In two months, five possums were caught," Mrs Henderson says. "The secret to this success was adding a red glace cherry to the sliced apple/cinnamon bait."
Another woman in Titrangi has proved wrong any doubts about her ability to dispose of the dead possums.
"They either have to be dug into the garden, or wrapped in newspaper and put out with your weekly rubbish collection," Mrs Henderson says. "She tackled it like a pro. She was furious with the possums devouring her garden, and caught nine possums within three months. One large male possum complete with trap, rolled down into a deep gulley, which she retrieved with abseiling skill. She wanted the trap back for more possums.
"Her determination impressed me so much; she is now 'The Queen Trapper of Titirangi'."
A family recently arrived in New Zealand, and called in for a Timms Trap.
Mrs Henderson says not all trappers are successful, in-spite of setting the traps nightly with fresh bait.
"In most cases there is an abundance of fruit on the trees, freshly grown vegetables and succulent rose buds on hand. Naturally, the possums will go for the easy meal instead of the baited trap."
In that case, she advises waiting until the garden produce is harvested and start setting the Timms Traps again.
"The possums will be about throughout the year."
Linda Graham and Mrs Henderson help people learn how to use the Timms Traps and are available all hours, seven days a week.
Their voluntary community project is supported by Auckland Regional Council and Waitakere City Council.
For traps contact:
Ph: June 817 8315 or Linda 817 4338
Email: op.possumblitz@hotmail.com
$35 to purchase a Timms Trap
$25 refundable bond for short term loan