Pests in Auckland

Help with identification

If you're having difficulty identifying pest plants or animals:

1. Use the 'Select a type of pest' function in pest search to narrow the options, for example select 'Birds' or 'Climbers and vines'. It might be more difficult for 'Plants' as there are so many. 
2. If you're struggling to identify any plant, join iNaturalist - an online tool that matches your 'observation' (photo/s) with a large database. There are many experts engaged in the tool who will help you identify your plant or animal. Remember to submit a good photograph if you can. The getting started information is helpful if you're new to iNaturalist. Once you've identified your pest then pest search will provide further information and importantly, how to control it.

For pest animals there are two other options:

• You could put out tracking tunnels in your area. Warren Agnew's online resource What made these tracks? (PDF, 1.8MB) provides a variety of pest animal footprints and guidance on identifying them.
• Another option is the use of chew cards which you can put up around your property/area. Read more about this cheap and effective tool at Predator Free New Zealand and become an expert in bite marks!