The project has now entered a monitoring phase alongside baiting. Soap blocks and chocolate wax blocks placed every 25m across the islands will show signs of nibbling by rats or shrews. As part of the project we are not removing shrews and the wax and soap is not harmful to them (they only eat insects so are less likely to be attracted to these items) rats on the other hand will chew and leave distinctive teeth marks on many food items such as chocolate wax and soap. Tunnels containing white card with peanut butter and ink in the centre will also attract any rats, and their footprints will be left for us to see any signs of their activity.

The monitoring checks are now in place to improve the chance of picking up any sign of remaining rats that are avoiding bait stations.