Pest Control
Pest Control
Uncontrolled pests can quickly undo the hard work of native revegetation. At Manawa Landcare, we provide targeted pest control services to protect your plants, encourage biodiversity, and support long-term ecological health.
Our pest management focuses on both animal and plant pests that pose a threat to native ecosystems. Common issues include:
Browsing animals – rabbits, possums, hares, and deer damaging young native plants
Invasive plants – such as gorse, blackberry, and tradescantia outcompeting natives
Predators – like rats and stoats threatening native birdlife in restoration areas
We tailor pest control plans based on site conditions, species present, and surrounding land use. Our services include baiting, trapping, weed suppression, and ongoing monitoring. For large projects, we also integrate pest management into the planting and maintenance schedule to ensure a holistic approach.
As a Māori-owned company grounded in kaitiakitanga (guardianship), we are committed to using low-impact and environmentally responsible methods that protect the land for future generations.
Let us help you defend your restoration investment.
Get in touch for a pest control plan tailored to your site.
Top 5 Pests That Threaten Native Plantings (and How We Control Them)
Restoring native ecosystems is a long-term investment — but without proper pest control, young plantings are vulnerable to damage and failure. At Manawa Landcare, we’ve seen first-hand how quickly pests can undo months of hard work. Here are the top five threats we tackle, and how we keep your native plantings protected.
1. Rabbits & Hares
The problem: These browsers target young shoots and seedlings, often snapping off new growth at ground level.
Our solution: We use a mix of protective guards, perimeter fencing (if needed), and population control through humane baiting or trapping methods.
2. Possums
The problem: Possums feed on foliage, stripping trees of their leaves and causing widespread dieback.
Our solution: Targeted bait stations and trapping programs reduce local populations, helping native plants recover and thrive.
3. Weeds (e.g. Gorse, Blackberry, Tradescantia)
The problem: Invasive weeds compete aggressively for light, nutrients, and water — often smothering native plants.
Our solution: We provide ongoing weed control using manual removal, mulching, and selective spraying where necessary.
4. Pests Insects (e.g. Grass grub, scale insects)
The problem: Insect pests can damage roots, stunt growth, or defoliate native species.
Our solution: We monitor planting sites and apply eco-friendly pest control methods only when thresholds are exceeded.
5. Predators (e.g. Rats, Stoats)
The problem: While not harmful to plants directly, these predators threaten the return of native birds and pollinators that support biodiversity.
Our solution: We offer trapping support as part of larger restoration plans, particularly near wetlands and bush blocks.
Ongoing Monitoring is Key
Pest pressure is never static — it changes with the seasons, the landscape, and even the surrounding land use. That’s why at Manawa Landcare, we believe that regular, ongoing monitoring is just as important as the initial planting. Without scheduled maintenance and monitoring, even a well-executed revegetation project can face setbacks from emerging weed growth, pest damage, or changing environmental conditions. Our team conducts routine site visits to check plant health, assess pest activity, and adapt control strategies as needed. This proactive approach allows us to respond early, protect your investment, and ensure your native planting not only survives — but thrives. Whether it’s a quarterly check or part of a long-term maintenance plan, ongoing monitoring is key to long-term success.
How to Find Us
Location
57 Kapanui Rod, Waikanae 5036
022-434-8058
Mon-Fri, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
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