Tom, Jerry & the real-life rat race

Many of us grew up watching “Tom and Jerry” - the endless chase between a determined cat and a cunning mouse. No matter how many clever traps Tom set, Jerry always seemed one step ahead. Entertaining on screen, for sure, but in real life, when it’s your car wiring, compost bin, or kitchen wall under siege, it’s not quite as funny.

Across Raglan, we’re hearing more stories of rats chewing through cables, sneaking into sheds, and making themselves at home in compost heaps. With summer now underway, conditions are ideal for rats to breed and spread. Warm weather, food scraps, and dry hiding spots create the perfect environment - unless we take action early!

Here’s why it matters:

• Shelter: Rats love safe, hidden spaces, under decks, behind walls, or in compost bins, where they can raise young undisturbed.

• Food and water: Easy access helps them thrive and multiply fast, especially through the warmer months.

One common myth is that a household cat will keep rodents away. While cats might catch the odd mouse, rats are clever. They adapt and hide better to avoid danger. Much like Jerry, they’re experts at staying just out of reach.

But here’s the twist - unlike in the cartoon, we can help Tom win! 

The Karioi Project’s Backyard Trapping Hub is working hard to give our community the upper hand in this real-life chase. “Every trap set in your backyard helps protect native wildlife, birds, insects, and plants that are quietly affected by rats,” says Isabelle Lance, Karioi Project’s Backyard Hub coordinator.

So whether you’re motivated to protect your wiring, tidy up your compost or help local wildlife thrive, now’s the time to get trapping.

This summer let’s channel a bit of Tom’s persistence and set a trap by joining the Karioi Backyard Hub and helping create a Predator-Free Raglan. Together, we can finally tip the scales in Tom’s favour!

Visit Karioi’s Backyard Trapping Hub today and be part of the solution!