The Goodnature A24 is a gas-powered repeating rodent trap that is another tool to help manage house mice (Mus musculus) and rats such as the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus). The Goodnature A24 was invented in New Zealand as part of a contest for tools useful for managing the invasive rodents that are devastating New Zealand’s native fauna (animals). So how does the Goodnature A24 work? Well, let’s take a look.
Description of the Goodnature A24

Like most traps, the Goodnature A24 has several components. The bait area, the trigger and the killing arm. Look at the image to your right. Focus on the area where the word, goodnature is written vertically. At the top, above the “g” you will see a round black cap. This is the bait area. The vertical section where the word goodnature occurs, contains the trigger and is where the striker bar will hit the rodent. The trap is designed so that as the mouse or rat stands up to get a taste of the bait, it will hit a thin bar, which triggers the striker bar. The striker bar is situated in the horizontal part of the trap where the A24 is written. The bar is powered by a carbon dioxide cannister which you can see at the lower right. Unfortunately, the cartridges are not the same size as those used in pellet guns.
Positives of the Goodnature A24
Here is the interesting part of the trap’s features. First, it is designed to kill the rodent instantly by crushing its head, which makes the trap far more humane than even the traditional striker bar snap trap. Second, the trap resets itself. So you can set the trap in a good location and it will kill up to 12 rodents, maybe more. A counter is available to tell you how many times the trap has fired between checks. Won’t the bodies of those rodents stink? They could, but if the trap is placed in the right area, scavengers will often clean up the rodents for you. Plus it is all poison free.
Negatives of the Goodnature A24
As great as this trap is, it does have a few negatives. First is the cost. The complete kit can cost around $250.00. That can buy a lot of rodent traps and cover the gas needed to go to the location to check them. The second concern is safety. Anyone who sticks their finger into the trap will regret it, if you catch my drift. The company has created a box (similar to a tamper-resistant rodenticide bait station) to reduce the likelihood of children or pets getting injured. Finally, the trap may not be legal to use in every state. I would strongly advise checking with your state’s division of fisheries and wildlife to determine if this trap is legal to use. Those in states that like to ban equipment that works, such as Washington and Massachusetts should be particularly concerned about legalities.
Bottom Line
Does the trap have value? Absolutely. I would suggest the trap for use in more rural areas where rodent presence is a constant concern but the client wants to avoid or reduce using toxicants. I interviewed the distributor of this trap for the U.S. and Canada. You can see that video here. Goodnature distributor interview.
Stephen M. Vantassel, CWCP, ACE, is the owner of Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. He helps people restore their balance with nature through publishing, training, consulting, and the internet. He has published numerous articles in trade and academic publications available at {Stephen’s Academia.edu Page} along with several books {WCC Store}). Listen to his podcast “Living the Wild Life” at {Pest Geek Podcast}. Click the links for past {shows} and {interviews}. Please subscribe to {Stephen’s YouTube Channel} He is a sought after speaker and trainer. If you would like to have Stephen speak at your event or use his consultation services, send an e-mail to [email protected] Copyright All postings are the property of Stephen M. Vantassel and Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. Text (not images) may be reprinted in non-profit publications provided that the author and website URL is included. If images wish to be used, explicit and written permission must be obtained from Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC.