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PestsDutch elm disease (DED)Dutch elm disease (Ophiostoma ulmi) is a destructive and fast spreading disease. It is spread by bark beetles (Scolytus multistriatus) carrying fungal spores from tree to tree, but can also spread directly through root grafting between neighbouring trees. The fungus clogs water-conducting tissues in infected trees. The tree responds by forming gum within its tissues, causing it to wilt and then die. Read more >> about Dutch elm disease, vegetation control zones, and how you can help to fight it. Gum leaf skeletoniserGum leaf skeletoniser is a native Australian moth, first discovered in New Zealand in 1992 at Mount Maunganui, and is now widespread in the greater Auckland area. It is a pest in both countries, mainly because of the damage it causes to gum (Eucalyptus) trees. A number of Eucalyptus relatives (Myrtaceae) such as Queensland Box (Lophostemon), Willow Myrtle (Agonis) and Pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa) can be host. It has also been reported on a number of other exotics (Ash, Oak and Birch) where these grow close to Gums or Queensland Box. Gum leaf skeletoniser caterpillars damage gum trees as they feed on their leaves. The caterpillars also have poisonous hairs which most often cause stinging and then a persistent itchy rash. View photos and read more about the gum leaf skeletoniser on the MAF Biosecurity website Contact us if you have any concerns about this pest on public trees in the Auckland city area. Plant pestsPlant pests (formerly known as noxious weeds) are subject to various management strategies under Auckland Regional Council's Regional Animal and Plant Pest Management Strategies. Depending on the classification of the plant pest, its removal may be mandatory, as in Old Man's Beard, or the control of it is managed by encouraging land owners to remove or control it, as in Privet. Auckland Regional Council (ARC) maintains an up-to-date register of all plant pests. To find out the management strategies for specific plant pests visit www.arc.govt.nz. Plant pests on private propertyFor information or advice on the removal or destruction of plant pests visit www.arc.govt.nz. Note: For the majority of plant pests, ARC will encourage you to take responsibility for removing plant pests from your own property. Plant pests on public propertyTo request the removal of plant pests from public property please contact us. PrivetThere are two species of privet, Chinese Privet and Tree Privet. Both are invasive and are no longer able to be sold, propagated, distributed or commercially displayed. They have been declared a National Surveillance Plant Pest by the Auckland Regional Council to prevent further spread by human activities. You are encouraged to remove or control privet growing on your property, but its removal is not mandatory. For more information refer to the Environment section in www.arc.govt.nz. Animal pestsThe Auckland Regional Council’s Regional Animal and Plant Pest Management Strategies identify pests in the region and describe how they will be managed. For more information on the management strategies for various pests, and the special controls applied to the Hauraki Gulf Islands, refer to the Environment section in www.arc.govt.nz. Animal pests on private propertyThe Auckland Regional Council (ARC) is responsible for the management of declared pests in the region such as rabbits, wasps and possums. However the eradication of pests on your property, including declared pests, is your responsibility. For information or advice on getting rid of declared animal pests refer to the Environment section in www.arc.govt.nz or contact ARC's Enviroline, Ph: 0800-806-040. Animal pests on public propertyAuckland City will deal with animal pests on public property including, parks, reserves and the roadside. Please contact us to arrange for their removal. BeesBees on private propertyAlthough bees can be a nuisance, especially when they follow the Queen Bee and swarm to a new nest, they are not classed as an animal pest. If you have a problem with bees on your property it is your responsibility to arrange for their removal. Refer to the phone book for 'Pest Control Services' in your area. Bees on public propertyAuckland City will investigate bee problems on public property. Note: If bees are swarming, Auckland City can only take action where a nest has been formed. WaspsWasps on private propertyIf there is a problem with wasps on your property it is your responsibility to arrange for their removal. Refer to the phone book for 'Pest Control Services' in your area. For advice on the removal or extermination of wasps visit www.arc.govt.nz or contact Auckland Regional Council's Enviroline, Ph: 0800-806-040. Wasps on public propertyAuckland City will action requests to remove wasps where a nest has been formed on public property. Rats/miceRats or mice on private propertyIf you have a problem with rats or mice on your property, including rats in privately piped stormwater drains, it is your responsibility to arrange for their eradication. Auckland City will investigate the cause of the rat problem but we will not be actively involved in eradication. Your local hardware store will be able to advise you on the appropriate poisons to use. If the rats are originating from a neighbour's property as a result of
Auckland City will investigate the cause of the rat problem but will not be involved in their eradication. Rats or mice on public propertyAuckland City will deal with rats or mice on public property. MosquitosProblems with mosquitos on private property are the responsibility of the property owner. If you have a mosquito problem you need to determine where they are breeding and remove the cause of the problem eg: blocked drain, as well as dealing with the mosquitos themselves. If you are reporting mosquitos on public land, or you think that a mosquito may be an exotic or dangerous variety, please contact us. The Auckland District Health Board have been examining the Southern Saltmarsh Mosquito. For more information on this exotic species visit www.moh.govt.nz. Fruit FlyFor information or reports of fruit fly contact: Ministry of Agriculture Ph: 626-6026 during business hours. Sea squirtThe invasive sea squirt, the clubbed tunicate (Styela clava) has been found in a number of locations around New Zealand. The clubbed tunicate poses potential threats to New Zealand's aquaculture industry and biodiversity by competing for space and food, and can blanket oyster and mussel lines, suffocating shellfish. The clubbed turnicate is usually found in protected areas such as bays and harbours and prefers to settle on hard surfaces, particularly man-made structures. Clubbed turnicates are usually club-shaped with a tough, leathery skin that varies from brownish-white, yellow-brown or reddish-brown. Adults grow to 16cm long. If you think you have seen this sea squirt, note the location and report your find to the Biosecurity hotline: 0800 80 99 66. For more information about the sea squirt, including photos, look at the Biosecurity New Zealand website. EnquiriesFor complaints or service requests relating to pest control please contact us.
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