Scientists play rodent chatter through speakers

Two Waikato scientists, turned modern day pied pipers have been playing rodent chatter through speakers in the forest to lure rats into traps. If it works, it could cut pest erradication costs and be more efficient than waiting for rats to wander into traps. Speakers mounted on trees played the rat sound track on a loop day and night in forest at Tuateawa on the Coromandel Peninsula and Te Hoe near Hamilton. Wintec lecturer and researcher Dr Rhys Jones spoke to Lisa Owen.