Plant, Animal and Insect Pests

This page provides information on the management of plant, animal and insect pests within Porirua City boundaries.

Controlling plant and animal pests in Porirua City

Greater Wellington Regional Council manages the eradication of noxious plants and animal pests within its district.

This includes plants like "old mans beard", banana passion fruit, ginger etc., and animal pests i.e., opossums, stoats and magpies.

For more information on this subject call Greater Wellington Pest Control on telephone (04) 526 5327 or go to their web page below that contains useful advice on pest plants, animals and insects.

Managing wasps

Wasps pose a serious threat to our environment by reducing native bird food supplies, destroying insect life, robbing native and commercial beehives and creating a nuisance or danger to humans when they nest in or around residential areas.

If a wasp nest is not promptly destroyed, it can rapidly grow to a very large size making eradication difficult particularly when they are located inside a building wall or ceiling cavity.

Dealing with bee swarms and unwanted bees nests

Bee swarming occurs when an existing hive becomes overcrowded.

Swarms often temporarily settle on trees or buildings while they rest en route to their new location. In these circumstances the bees are generally docile if left undisturbed and they will generally move on when rested.

Feral bees can create similar problems to wasps if their nests are not promptly dealt with when detected.

For information on beekeeping click on the Bee Keeping link provided below.

Council deals with vermin, wasps and bees nests in public places

Porirua City Council treats and removes vermin, wasp and bee nests on public land, roads, parks and reserves within its city.

Both Greater Wellington Regional Council and the Department of Conservation deal with wasps and bees problems on land under their jurisdiction.

Landowners are responsible for removing wasp and bee nests on their property.

Report vermin, wasps and bees nests in public areas

To report vermin, wasp or bees nests in any Porirua City public place, call Council’s Customer Services Centre on 04 237 5089.

For Greater Wellington Regional Council controlled land, call their free phone on 0800 496 734 or visit their website.

For Department of Conservation land, visit the Department of Conservation website from the link below.

Care must be taken in destroying wasp and bees nests

Extreme caution must be exercised in dealing with wasp and bees nests. If you need to approach a nest wear secure eye protection and heavy clothing covering all skin including your head, face, neck, arms, hands, legs and feet.

You may deal with a wasp or bees nest on your property yourself or employ a Pest Control Operator or beekeeper to do it for you.  There may be a charge for the service.

The Greater Wellington Regional Council website contains helpful advice on what to do with unwanted insect nests.

Links to more plant and pest information

Porirua City Council links:

External links:

Yellow Pages: