If you are visiting Canna you will certainly come across bait stations, but most of these are unlikely to contain poison. The poisoning phase of the project is over and we are now in the monitoring phase.

 A permanent monitoring grid is now present all around the coast. This consists of black and/or white pvc tubes (see photo opposite). There is also a black lockable bait station in every house (usually in the kitchen), plus other bait stations in all other properties (including disused ones). Please do not touch or disturb the stations.

Some of the bait stations in buildings may hold Ditrac™ wax blocks, containing diphacinone poison (0.005%). This poison is relatively harmless to humans. A large quantity would have to be consumed in one sitting to cause any  harm. This poison does not persist long-term in the environment and is biodegradable in soil and water. We do, however, request you not to touch any remaining bait.

Most of the bait stations contain a wax block, impregnated with cocoa powder. This is part of the monitoring grid set out around the island. You may also come across other monitoring stations containing a piece of candle, soap, chocolate or a chewsticks. Please do not touch or disturb these stations, as they are an important aspect of our project. They are being used to ascertain whether any rats now remain on the island.

All these bait stations and monitoring stations are regularly checked by the project staff. They are looking for the presence/absence of teeth marks which would indicate whether any rats remain on the island.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Please report any damaged stations to a member of the Island staff (most stations are numbered). If the marking cane has been knocked over or displaced by livestock, please re-instate it close to the station.

Please report any sightings of rats. If you find a dead rat or anything you think has been chewed by a rat, please collect it and give it to one of the project staff or an islander.

and  MOST IMPORTANTLY

Please do not leave any food items outside or where rats can access them. Please dispose of all rubbish only black plastic bags and then place them in the rodent-proof wheelie-bins provided. This includes all organic material, even banana skins and potato peelings. Tins and bottles should be washed out and placed in the recycling bins at the pier, when you depart. Finally please note that it is perfectly OK to burn cardboard, paper and plastics as this will help avoid filling up the skip too quickly. 

Volunteering

If you are interested in volunteering please read our Information for volunteers.