Pest ControlMana Ārai Kīrea

You don't just have to prevent microscopic 'bugs' but big ugly ones, too. Pests are pests because they breed rapidly and are a problem in large numbers. They carry germs and can be difficult to keep out or eradicate. Whether at home or at your place of business, pests pose a danger to your health and well-being but to those around you. Some pests can be a physical contaminant, while others can carry diseases harmful to humans. Either way, pests are a signs that a property or premises may not be as clean or well maintained as it should be.

We recommend you get to know how to recognise when pests are present, why they are hazardous and how you can control or get rid of them.

Four tips to beat pests

1. Deny access to pests. It is much easier to prevent pests from getting in than it is to get them out again. We recommend sealing holes in walls and joinery; screening windows and doors; installing self-closing doors; ventilate the premises with cool air flow; storing food well-sealed containers; and covering drain pies and roof vent openings with a fine mesh.

2. Be alert to signs of intruders. Inspect your house and property regularly, checking for infestation of pests, and carry out necessary measures.

3. Don't provide food and harbourage. Make sure there are no dripping taps or pools of water are available on your property and ensure all foods are inaccessible, including refuse and pet food. Keep your garden and backyard clear of waste and dens, and tightly stack woodpiles. Clear away rubbish tidily and frequently, including the fat bin and compost. Rotate food stores and make sure your premises is clean - cockroaches love greasy or sticky walls.

4. Call in the professionals to deal with pesky pests. It can be a good idea to alert your neighbours to the pests and advise them of the process to eliminate them - they may need to leave their property also until fumes subside. Remove or protect pets, plants and household goods during fumigation.

Controlling the controls

If you use pest control chemicals yourselves, make sure you read the instructions and take all possible precautions as these poisonous substances are toxic to us as well as pests. Wear protective clothing and take precautions to prevent misuse, swallowing, inhalation or skin absorption of the poison. Store the chemicals securely and do not leave poisons in an unmarked or mis-marked container.

After performing any pest control, it is a good idea to clean food preparation areas of chemical residue from surfaces. Make sure everyone at home or your business is aware that pest control measures are due or have taken place.

Rats and mice

Rodents are nocturnal so are most often detected by their droppings or gnawing signs on structures and food containers rather than sightings. Rats tend to develop specific pathways and may leave behind greasy rub marks along the walls, or may leave an odour.

Rats will have three to five litters of seven or eight young per year. Mice can have around six litters of ten young per year. This soon results in large numbers of rodents.

Rodents cause damage to properties and carry infection. They breed prolifically, they are very clever, they have no fear and cover a large territory. They spoil far more than they eat because they live in unhygienic environments, such as sewers. They contaminate foods and surfaces simply by touching them and harbour numerous bacteria harmful to humans.

Traps can be used to catch rats and mice but poisoning works better as it exposes more rodents at a time. Warfarin-based poisons are most commonly used, causing internal bleeding in rodents and forcing them back to their lairs to die. Lay poison carefully so that it cannot be accessed by other creatures but easily monitored, and inspect the bait station for chew marks, replacing the poison until it hasn't been touched for a week. 

Birds

Birds can be pests and entry should be prevented. Try to remove or restrict 'perchable' surfaces around your house and business and ensure foods are protected by non-peckable covers. This is especially important for stores displaying food outside. Extra cleaning may be required if birds are able to defecate inside or on display surfaces.

Wild birds are part of nature and do not come under Council's jurisdiction for pest control. We have no responsibility unless they are soiling Council buildings and property.

In the event of pigeons building/netting out of their roosting position and causing a nuisance, contact a pest control firm that specialises in bird proofing or bird control.