White tail spiders (Lampona spp.), sometimes call white tip spiders, are found across the North Island of New Zealand, with significant populations also in Christchurch and Nelson. The two species found in New Zealand are two species are Lampona cylindrata…
The Australia redback spider (Latrodectus hasselti) has two main populations in New Zealand – in Central Otago and New Plymouth, although it is probably present elsewhere. Along with the Katipo, the redback is considered the most dangerous spider in New…
Huntsman spiders are probably the largest and scariest!) spiders in New Zealand. They have been introduced from Australia and their main populations are in Auckland (the Avondale spider) and Christchurch. Their size, fast movement and ability to “jump”, coupled with…
How does fly spray work? The basics of all fly spray formulations are similar (but not the same) and most contain pyrethroid insecticides. These insecticides impact the nervous system of flies, causing their nerves to fire rapidly. This is why…
There are a number of pests that cause damage to clothing, shoes, fabric items and paper around your home and office. Carpet beetles, clothes moths, silverfish and psocids (booklice) can present serious pest problems when it comes to damaging clothes,…
Pantry pests is a common name given to insects that infest stored products such as flour, cereals and indeed any dried foods. Sometimes you may not be even aware your food has been infested, but when you do… yuck! But…
Wasps around the home are a serious health concern and so learning how to get rid of wasp nests safely is important if you do your own pest control. It is important to correctly identify the type of wasp you…
The black house spider, Badumna insignis, is one of the more common spiders found around New Zealand homes. Although their bite is quite painful the main concern for homeowners is that they build unsightly, dense webs around windows, doors and…
Carpet beetles are a common fabric pest. Although their name indicates they only eat carpets or rugs, they will eat a wide range of animal fabrics including wool, fur, silk, felt, feathers and leather. As with any pest problem it…
We all know that flies are a big problem in New Zealand. But not all flies are the same. When it comes to fly control around the home, it helps to be able to identify the type of fly, as…
