Pests
Ferrets
Ferrets may also be known as weasels, stoats or fitches. They are an introduced pest, and are a menace to wildlife, particularly birds.
Council would prefer that they are not kept or sold as pets because of the risk of the ferrets either escaping or being released into the wild.
However, the keeping of ferrets as pets is not illegal.
The general keeping of animals is restricted under the District Plan.
Advice on eradication of ferrets
Ferrets are very difficult to trap. The Department of Conservation is able to give advice; otherwise, contact a pest control operator (see local paper or the Yellow Pages)
Complaints about ferrets attacking poultry or rabbits
Council suggests to "ferret proof" the enclosure by ensuring the animals are not able to dig under the cage.
Rats and Mice
There are three ways to control rats and mice. A combination of these can be used:
- Poison - Rat and mice bait is available from supermarkets, hardware outlets, or stock and station agents such as Wrightsons. Instructions on the packaging should be strictly followed.
- Traps - Rat and mice traps are available at supermarkets and hardware type outlets. Bacon, chocolate or peanut butter are better than cheese for baiting the trap.
- Elimination of habitats - Long grass, stored and stacked materials outside, and the like are possible rat harbourages. Thought should be given to reducing food sources such as food scraps in the compost bin, bread thrown out for birds, stored food (for example chicken feed), or fruit or nuts falling from trees.
Checks should be made to determine how the rats or mice are gaining access to the house. Common entry points are where pipes enter the house, trees over hanging the roof, power lines, holes in the floor. Any potential entry points should be blocked off.
Should initial attempts to control the problem be unsuccessful please contact us and ask for a Resut for Service (RFS) to be logged. Please provide as much information as possible.
Mosquitoes
Information on how to eliminate mosquitoes
Mosquitoes breed in water. Sources of breeding water should be found and got rid of. Examples of areas where mosquitoes may breed are:
- Stagnant swimming pools or ponds - these should be emptied or treated with chlorine.
- Roof guttering - there is quite often a small level of water in the guttering. It should be cleaned out and the levels checked in case they are holding water.
- Empty containers or old tyres - should be emptied out.
- Water tanks - a thin film of vegetable oil on the surface of the water will stop larvae from breathing.
Problem due to natural causes
If the problem is due to natural causes (e.g. bush areas or nearby streams), advise the customer that there is not much they can do apart from:
- Screen windows
- Use residual sprays (e.g. BV2 available from any hardware store)
- Use repellents
Refer to Yellow Pages for pest control contractors
Queries regarding the eradication or control of possums need to be referred to Northland Regional Council.
Possums
Advice on eradicating possums
For the average house owner the most practical method is trapping.
See the Yellow Pages for pest control contractors or contact Northland Regional Council for further advice.
Wasps, Bees and Hornets
An application in writing to the Monitoring Officer can be made to keep bees. If specialist information is required, please contact us and ask for a Request for Service (RFS) to be logged. Please provide as much information as possible.
NOTE: Under General Bylaws, Chapter 13, clause 1305.1, it states:
No person shall keep bees, or allow to be kept any bees on any property zoned Residential, Commercial or Industrial, as prescribed in the Far North District Plan, without first obtaining a licence from the Council, and paying the prescribed fees. Go to Bylaws
Wasps, Bees or hornets on private property
Wasps, bees or hornets on private property is the responsibility of the property owner to remove.
Further advice may be sort from the Northland Regional Council on how to dispose of or remove wasps, bees or hornets, and their pamphlet No.5 – Animal Pests, provides information and recommends products to assist (e.g Kiwicare “No insects cargaryl 80”)
If the problem is of a major nature then the expertise of a professional exterminator may be required. Refer to the Yellow Pages for contact details.
Wasps, Bees and Hornets on neighbouring property
This is a common law matter between neighbours and Council is not able to get involved.
Wasp biocontrol
Biocontrol is the control of pests or weeds by introducing a natural disease or predator that kills or sterilizes the target pest or weed. Contact the Northland Regional Council for further information.
Wasps, Bees or Hornets on Council Property
Wasp, hornet or bee nests on Council property or where ownership of property is uncertain please contact us and ask for a Request for Service (RFS) to be logged. Please provide as much information as possible.
Page created/updated: 5 November 2009 at 11:15 am
