Predators and pests

Person using drill to put together a wooden rat trap

Control animal predators

Animal predators and pests are a huge problem in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Everyone can take part to control them. Action is needed at all scales, from putting a rat trap in your backyard to trapping across a entire catchment.

Why is it important?

Our native plants, reptiles, insects and birds evolved in the absence of mammalian predation and have not evolved ways to protect themselves from introduced predators. Animal pests predate on our native species and compete for habitat and food sources.

Possums are prolific browsers and can destroy whole stands of trees, while also predating on native bird’s eggs and chicks.
Rats prey on eggs and chicks, lizards and insects plus new plant growth and seeds.
Mustelids are top predators and kill young kiwi and many other birds and insects.

Certain animal pests (e.g. possums, ferrets and deer) also pose a significant threat to the agricultural industry. They can be carriers of bovine tuberculosis and pass it on to farm stock.

Pests have wide-reaching environmental, economic and cultural impacts.

Key things to consider up front

What’s your budget?

It may take multiple years to accomplish pest animal control over your entire site. Don't be afraid to start small with an area that is a priority for you. That way you can learn and adapt as you go.
What’s your capacity?

How much time do you have to dedicate to pest control? Do you need to do some training or research first?
What are your priorities?
There are a lot of different reasons to control animal pests on your site, and your priorities will shape your pest control plan. For example:
- to regenerate native bush, prioritise possum control to reduce browsing damage
- to ensure native birds have the best chance of survival, step up your rat/possum control during the breeding season
- to see native geckos and skinks thrive, year round pest control will be necessary
Who can help?

It’s a long (but important) road to eradicate or control pests from your site, so make sure to seek support

See if there’s a Predator Free group, community or catchment group working in your area. They might be able to give you a hand and let you know what’s already being done.

Get in touch with the Department of Conservation and your regional council to see if they have trapping/baiting programmes already running in your local area. It may be helpful to coordinate your bait pulses with theirs.

Don’t forget to chat to your neighbours. Coordinated pest control over a larger area can have a bigger impact on pest populations. Creating a predator control zone across multiple properties will lead to greater biodiversity benefits all round.

Friends and family can help too. Pest control is a brilliant way to explore your property and help bring native species back.
Health & Safety

It’s important to understand the potential risks and hazards involved in pest animal control. You will be using toxins and/or traps that may be harmful if used incorrectly. Make sure you read the label and follow all instructions for use. Ensure you get Personal Protective Equipment (e.g. gloves) sorted before you start.

Predator Free NZ have some helpful guidelines around managing hazards and reducing risks.
Kauri Dieback (Upper North Island)

Pest animal control generally involves movement in and out of different areas of bush, often away from dedicated paths. This is a major biosecurity risk when it comes to Kauri Dieback. Make sure you clean your footwear and gear before starting your pest control, and between different areas of bush.

See Keep Kauri Standing to learn more about how to reduce the risk of spread.

Identifying your predators

Figure out which predators you have onsite before deciding on the most effective method of control. Pick which species you are going to target first. You might not have the budget or time to target everything at once. It’s important to maintain your pest control over a long period of time, so it’s a good idea to start small if you’re new to it.

Types of animal pests

Check out these databases of the main animal pests found across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Animal pests and threats A - Z, Department of Conservation
Know your target predators, Predator Free NZ
The online Pest Detective tool will help you identify the presence of animal pests on your site.

Predator control methods

The key methods are trapping, baiting and shooting, but there are a range of approaches within these methods. Your options will depend on your budget, the target species and whether or not you want to use pesticides. Select trapping or baiting methods that are appropriate for your target species. This will ensure that they are as humane and effective as possible.

New techniques and control methods are constantly being developed, so keep up to date with the latest, most effective methods on the market.

Helpful resources

Predator Free NZ:

Department of Conservation:

Predators in urban areas

Animal pests aren’t restricted to areas of native bush. There are plenty of rats and possums in urban areas, and you may have seen them around your backyard or workplace.

Rats are often attracted to sites with overgrown vegetation, rubbish and exposed compost bins. Preventing these will discourage pests.

Be a responsible pet owner (they can be pests too!). Think about keeping your cat in at night to protect native birds, or get your dog Kiwi aversion training if you live or go near kiwi habitats.

Resources:

Trap predators in your backyard, Department of Conservation
Get involved in backyard trapping, Predator Free NZ

Pests on farms

Animal pests can cause significant damage to farms. They can spread disease, eat crops, damage equipment and cause harm to native plants and wildlife. Consider biosecurity risks when bringing stock and equipment onto your property.

Resources:

Predator control on farms, Predator Free NZ
Starters guide to predator control on farms, Predator Free NZ
Biosecurity planner, DairyNZ

More helpful resources

Get involved with a Predator Free NZ group in your area.
Download the Trap NZ app to record your predator control data. It’s a great way to check out other projects in your area!
If you want to study pest animal control in more detail, consider signing up for a field course like the Advanced Animal Pest Control Methods Course at NMIT.