Learn how to get rid of pests like rats and bed bugs.
Pests and insects
In this section
- Bed bugs are small insects that feed on the blood of people and animals at night. Learn how to recognise a bed bug infestation, and what to do about their irritating bites. Read more
- Cockroaches are a common household pest in New Zealand. While they are only a low-level health risk, cockroaches thrive in unhealthy environments and they can transmit a number of diseases. Read more
- There are 3 species of spider that should be avoided – the katipō, the redback and the white-tailed spider. Read more
- Fleas are very common in New Zealand, particularly in association with cats and dogs. Read more
- The louse species present in New Zealand are not cause for great concern. While lice are annoying, they are not a significant public health risk. Read more
- In NZ, mosquitoes are a nuisance. But mosquitoes from overseas can spread serious diseases. Read more
- Tips on controlling rodents like rats and mice, using techniques such as removing food sources, reducing their habitat or breeding sites, and using bait or traps. Read more
- The sandfly species in New Zealand are a nuisance, but the species that bite do not carry any infectious or transmittable diseases. Read more
- Ticks have the potential to pose public health and biosecurity risks because they can carry and transmit human and animal diseases. Read more
- Prevention, control and treatment measures to use with different pests. Read more