Pest Control

Yes. Natural repellents using lemon eucalyptus oil (PMD) are effective against NZ mosquitoes and sandflies. Citronella provides shorter-duration protection. Diatomaceous earth is effective against crawling insects like ants, cockroaches, and fleas. Neem-based products control a wide range of garden pests.

Food-grade diatomaceous earth is a fine powder made from fossilised marine algae (diatoms). It works against crawling insects by physically damaging their waxy exoskeleton, causing them to desiccate. It is non-toxic to humans and pets when used correctly, leaves no chemical residue, and insects cannot develop resistance to it.

Effective natural ant control: food-grade diatomaceous earth applied along ant trails and entry points, boric acid mixed with sugar as a bait, strong essential oils such as peppermint or clove as a deterrent spray along entry points, and sealing entry points with natural sealant. The most effective long-term solution is removing food sources and sealing entry points.

Yes. Many conventional insecticides are broad-spectrum and kill beneficial insects including native bees, ground beetles, and parasitoid wasps alongside target pests. Neonicotinoid pesticides in particular are highly toxic to bees and persist in soil and pollen. Natural pest control targeted at specific pests causes significantly less collateral damage to NZ's native insect biodiversity.

Peppermint oil is a mild deterrent for mice and can be applied to cotton balls and placed at entry points. Ultrasonic repellers provide some deterrence. The most effective natural approach is exclusion — sealing all entry points larger than 6mm for mice and 20mm for rats. Humane live traps allow catch-and-release away from the home.

Yes. Neem oil is an organic-approved pesticide and fungicide safe for use on food crops. It breaks down quickly in the environment, is not significantly harmful to beneficial insects when applied correctly (spray in the evening to avoid contact with active bees), and leaves no persistent residue. It is effective against aphids, whitefly, spider mites, and fungal diseases including powdery mildew.