Tackle backyard pests
Not sure where to start when it comes to pest control? Why not your own backyard! Pest control doesn’t have to be overwhelming — your backyard is the perfect place to begin. Removing invasive weeds and setting traps at home is a simple yet powerful way to support native wildlife like birds, lizards, and insects back into our urban landscapes.
By taking action at home, you’re not only protecting your property from pests, but you’re also helping to reduce their spread. Every weed pulled and every pest trapped makes a difference.
Once you’re feeling confident, why not take the next step? Invite your neighbours to get involved, lend a hand with a local landcare group, or even take the lead by adopting a nearby reserve and starting your own community initiative. Small actions can grow into something powerful — and Tiakina Te Taitokerau are here to support you along the way.
For practical tips on weed control and trapping, follow our Facebook page. You can also visit the Northland Regional Council Pest Control Hub — a great resource for guidance on managing pest plants and animals across Northland.
What pests to target
- Pest plants often sneak into gardens, carried by birds or blown in by the wind. The best time to deal with weeds is when they’re small, easy to remove, and before they have a chance to set seed and spread further.
- Rats are our number one target when it comes to backyard trapping in urban areas. They damage homes, spread disease, and contribute to the decline of our native wildlife.
- Possums may also be a problem, particularly if your property backs onto a reserve. If you’re interested in trapping possums, get in touch for a kōrero.
- Mustelids (stoats, ferrets, weasels) are not so much of a problem in urban backyard environments, but they are still worth being aware of.
Get underway with a trapping starter kit or borrow from our trap library
Tiakina Te Taitokerau offers subsidised rat trap starter kits to urban communities in Whangārei. Each kit includes a trap and a protective box — all for just $10, making it easy and affordable to get started with backyard trapping.
- Locally made by Whangārei Mens Shed
- Limit of 2 per household
- Purchase from the Whangārei Mens Shed, Old Railway Station, Railway Rd – Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9:30am–3pm (cash only).
Tiakina Te Taitokerau runs a small trap library based out of the Northland Regional Council building, 36 Water Street, Whangārei. We offer a selection of possum and mustelid traps that community members can borrow to deal with one-off pest problems.
If you’re having issues with a pest animal and need a temporary trap, we’re here to help. Register your interest below to enquire about borrowing a trap.
How to get started
Start backyard trapping
Learn how to set up your backyard rat trap, choose bait, and safely catch rodents while protecting birds and pets with a trap box.
Buy a backyard rat trap
Get a $10 rat trap in a sturdy box - available at selected markets or the NRC office. Limit 2 per household.
Chew cards and wax tags
Monitor pests in your backyard with chew cards or WaxTags—simple, affordable tools that reveal what pests are around.
Logging your catches
Logging your catches helps track what’s working across Northland. Each entry builds a clearer picture of our collective progress, highlights trends, and shows where support is needed. It also keeps you motivated by showing the impact you’re making over time. You can either register your trap and record your catches directly with trap.nz or use the forms on our website.
Got questions?
From choosing the right trap to what to do with pest catches, we’ve put together simple, practical answers to help you get started and keep going. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, we’re always happy to help – just get in touch!
Backyard trapping stories
The kiwi call that sparked action
When Scott Tipping heard a kiwi call near his home, it sparked a community trapping group and a deeper connection with nature.
Parihaka predator control effort
Join the Parihaka community in their journey towards a predator-free Whangārei, restoring native species and ecosystems.
Backyard to bird haven
Maunu local Haemish Reid has transformed his backyard into a thriving habitat for native birds by tackling pests head-on.