Contact the team
Not sure if you’ve identified a weed? Need to know how to deal with a pest? Our pest management team wants to hear from you. Our pest management role includes providing advice to the public. If you are having problems with pest animals or plants we can offer advice on control options.
The Weedbusters website has a fantastic A-Z of pest plants. If you're unsure of the species check it out.
A-Z Pest Plants
Biological control or biocontrol has resulted in substantial pest plant management gains through the use of one living organism to control another. It has proven particularly useful for controlling widespread weeds that are well established, that are heavy seeders, or have large seed banks. Once the agents are well established there is generally no need to make further releases as the population disperses and becomes self-sustaining. However, it can take many years (decades even) for the population to build up to a point where it impacts substantially on the host plant.
It is worth noting that successful biocontrol does not usually eradicate its host. Success may mean a reduction of infestation size, vigour, or abundance into the foreseeable future. It should be viewed as a tool that complements other weed management options. Biocontrol may reduce population levels to a point where control using physical or chemical methods is minimised, or even unnecessary. The biocontrol programme exists to carry-out releases of new and existing agents against entrenched pests, raise awareness of the programme and support research into new agents. For more information check out the Landcare Research website.
Alligator Weed
Lindavia Intermedia
Velvetleaf in the horizons region
Old man's beard in the horizons region
Chilean needle grass
Wilding Conifer Project
Woolly Nightshade