Pest animals

There are a wide range of pest animals that we need to control in our region; in forests, reserves, farms and gardens.  These pest animals kill or compete with native species, damage trees and crops, and spread disease.

We undertake direct control of some pests in targeted areas, while others are best managed by people on their own properties. Find out about pest control methods and operations, to protect the region’s biodiversity.

Our job is even harder this year as there's a mega mast - when a bumper crop of forest seeds provides food for rats and stoats and their population is predicted to explode.

With so many pest animals out there, we all need to be involved in their control.

Spotted a pest animal? What to do! 

Not sure which pest?

Use chew cards to find out if there are rats, mice, stoats, possums or hedgehogs. The cards are filled with a non-toxic substance that these pests like. You can identify the pest by the bite marks on the card. Buy chew cards from Predator Free New Zealand or Good Nature.

If you need help to identify a pest then contact us or contact Biosecurity New Zealand, 0800 80 99 66.

Other useful pest animal resources

• Department of Conservation - A-Z pests
• Pest Detective
• Landcare Research - What is this bug?
• AgPest - weed and pest identification, biology, impact and management for farmers and agricultural professionals