Getting Rid of Unwanted Pests & Weeds

Managing pests & weeds in your backyard can support the rejuvenation of native and beneficial species. Indeed, the Towards a Predator Free Taranaki project is all about individuals getting on board. Read on for ways you can help.

Trap pests

You can manage pests in your backyard by getting some traps. You might be surprised at the number of nocturnal critters that are around, even in urban spaces, such as possums, rats, stoats, weasels and mice. Taranaki Regional Council sell kid and pet friendly traps that are at a subsidized price. You can also ask your local school, as some have been making traps to sell as fundraisers as part of the Towards a Predator Free Taranaki project.

Keeping cats and dogs from roaming at night is helpful, as many hunt native species, You can also put a bell on your cat so that birds can hear it coming.

Identify & eliminate weeds

Weeds can take over your garden, competing with and strangling native, productive and beneficial plants.

When you’re weeding, look out for invasive weed species such as Old Man’s Beard, wild ginger, Chilean rhubarb or Gunnera, Mignonette or Madeira vine, Moth plant, Giant Reed, Senegal tea, Boneseed and others. You can learn more about these and other weeds on the Weed Busters website.  

Taranaki Regional Council also offers support for weed management on private properties.

If you know of other stockists/retailers/suppliers/services or all round fantastic sustainable sources please let us know so that we can include them.