Latest news with #pestmanagement
RNZ News
11 hours ago
- General
- RNZ News
Why ‘cute' pets are now included in pest management plan
The red-eared slider turtle is capable of growing to the size of a dinner plate. Photo: Supplied/ NZME- Doug Sherring Bay of Plenty turtle owners must now securely house their pets, as the regional council changes its pest plan to prevent escapees. While unlikely to form a sewer-dwelling gang of martial arts fighters, escaped or released pets can harm ecosystems and native species. The Regional Pest Management Plan sets the Bay of Plenty Regional Council's priorities and goals for managing animal and pest plants, and includes rules to comply with the Biosecurity Act. A recent council review has seen new species added as pests and changes to how others are categorised. As of this week, all wallaby species known to be in the country and all introduced turtles will be included. Biosecurity team leader Shane Grayling said the pest management landscape was "ever changing". "The pests included in the [plan] and the ways to manage them have recently been reconsidered to reflect emerging pest issues." The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has adopted new rules for turtles, wallabies, and invasive exotic species of seaweed and freshwater clams. Photo: Collage/ NZME and supplied Turtles were included in the plan for the first time, covering all introduced freshwater types. Consultation on the topic showed split views on the need to manage turtles. Some submitters asked for introduced turtles to be included in the eradication programme, rather than sustained control. Some wanted a ban on the sale and breeding of them, while others did not believe turtles caused adverse environmental effects that needed managing. Grayling said climate change and the Rotorua area's warm geothermal soils increased the likelihood turtles could successfully breed in the wild. This included red-eared slider turtles, which have been found abandoned and breeding in Bay of Plenty waterways. Katikati reptile breeders Donna and Graeme Hannah, who have worked to raise awareness of the issue, told SunLive last year they were often called by people who found abandoned turtles. "They start off cute around the size of a 50c piece," Graeme Hannah said, but they could live 50 years and grow to the size of a dinner plate, needing more maintenance, and a bigger tank or pond, leading owners to abandon them. Sightings reported to the regional council included a female found nesting in Tauranga's Gordon Carmichael Reserve with 16 eggs. The turtles feed on small fish, plants, kōura (freshwater crayfish) and small birds such as ducklings, degrade water quality by disrupting the ecosystem, and displace wetland birds by taking over nesting sites. Under the new regional rules, turtle sales could continue, but pet owners needed to house them securely to prevent escape. "There have been instances previously where there has been no barrier around a pond to prevent the turtle from relocating elsewhere," Grayling said. He said, anecdotally, there had been increased reports of turtle sightings throughout the Bay of Plenty during the past couple of years. Most were red-eared sliders. Turtles were "inherently difficult to catch" and therefore controlling them was challenging. The council would respond to reported sightings in the wild and consider options for control on a case-by-case basis. "The focus for council, particularly in the short term, will be on education and advocacy for responsible turtle ownership." All wallaby species found in New Zealand are now included in the plan. Photo: Supplied via Local Democracy Reporting: The Rotorua Daily Post/ Andrew Warner The pre-amended plan only listed the dama wallaby as a pest, but Grayling said the need to include all known species found in New Zealand was identified, after the parma wallaby was discovered around the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes in 2023. Dama and parma were now listed under the progressive containment and eradication programme. Other species not known to be in the Bay of Plenty were under the exclusion programme. "The amendment is a technical one, and there is no change in how wallaby control is managed or funded," Grayling said. Efforts to control wallaby spread were funded with $1 million this year under the International Visitor Levy, including work in the Te Arawa area. Exotic caulerpa - a pest seaweed - was also included in the plan to minimise the risk of it entering the region. It has been described as the country's most serious marine biosecurity invasion in a lifetime. Corbicula - invasive exotic freshwater clams - were also listed as exclusionary pests. Other changes in the plan included treating certain species of conifers as pests, regardless of whether they were deliberately planted. The amendments prohibited new plantings of these species to ensure that the region's biodiversity was protected from the potential impact of pines growing in the wild. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
CBC
17 hours ago
- Health
- CBC
Winnipeg to start treating trees for emerald ash borer next week, city says
Winnipeg will start treating ash trees in certain areas for the emerald ash borer starting next week, the city said in a news release Thursday. Those treatments will happen Monday to Friday between 5:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. until August and will be weather dependent, the release said. Trees on city property are treated by injecting azadirachtin, also known by the brand name TreeAzin, directly into the tree. The product has been approved for use in Canada by Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency, and its use in Winnipeg by licensed pesticide applicators will follow federally approved label directions, the release said. The treatments will target the following insect management areas, the city said: 25 — Beaumont, Crescent Park, Maybank, Wildwood. 30 — Central River Heights. 31 — Crescentwood, North River Heights, Wellington Crescent. 32 — Grant Park, Rockwood. 40 — Minto, St. Matthews. 41 — Wolseley. 42 — Daniel McIntyre, West Alexander. 46 — Dufferin, Logan CPR, Lord Selkirk Park.
CTV News
3 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Low mosquito numbers in Edmonton but expert warns that could change quickly
The wet weekend weather in Edmonton has mosquito treatment program crews rushing to sites around the city where the insects are most likely to be hatching. As Edmonton continues to see spring showers, pest management experts are keeping a close eye on what it means for mosquito development. 'At this point we're not seeing a lot of adult mosquito activity,' said Mike Jenkins, a senior scientist with the City of Edmonton's Pest Management Laboratory. 'Our trap numbers are among the lowest we've had for a May period in many years,' he added. Sign up for breaking news alerts from CTV News Edmonton, right at your fingertips Jenkins said most of the mosquito activity is happening around roadside ditches, industrial parts of the city and areas with low-lying depressions. 'Roadside ditch and ground crews have been out treating those habitats, reducing the numbers of mosquito larvae that are developing in those areas and hopefully we'll continue to have low mosquito numbers going forward,' he said. 'Enjoy the lack of mosquitoes," Jenkins said. Mike Jenkins Mike Jenkins checks a mosquito trap on May 23, 2024. (Matt Marshall, CTV News Edmonton) Conditions have been ideal for keeping not just mosquitoes away but Jenkins said are also keeping the number of yellow jackets and ants low. 'That could change drastically,' said Jenkins. 'If we get a lot of precipitation coming in in June, if we get high temperatures that increase both the development of mosquitoes but also ramps up the development for yellow jackets and ants,' he said. Jenkins said the Aedes Vexans species that develop in summer conditions can go from nothing to biting in less than a week with enough rain. 'A dormant egg that has been sitting there for five to 10 years, that can be triggered by a rainfall and it goes through its cycle of larval stages and emerges as an adult within four to five days,' he said. The Culex Pipiens is another species Edmonton mosquito experts are watching. It was discovered a few years ago and Jenkins said it's a species known to carry the West Nile Virus. 'We did get some West Nile cases in Alberta last year but not in the Edmonton area,' said Jenkins. It's a species linked more to temperature than rainfall and habitats usually develop in standing water around people's property, in things like bird baths, eaves troughs, old tires and uncovered rain barrels. 'Make sure that those aren't acting as a mosquito development site,' said Jenkins. 'Empty the water out of them. If you have a bird bath in particular, change the water at least once a week,' he added. He said crews are finding more Cuelax Pipiens in Edmonton every year and that the city is developing a plan on how to best address the increase. Mike Jenkins Mike Jenkins checks a new carbon dioxide mosquito trap being used in Edmonton. (Matt Marshall/CTV News Edmonton) The city has also started using new traps to collect mosquito data. 'We've now switched entirely to carbon dioxide baited traps,' said Jenkins. The traps are battery powered giving crews more flexibility on where they can be put up, and use carbon dioxide instead of a light bulb to attract mosquitos. 'Rather than having all the flies and moths and everything else that gets attracted to the light bulbs we get a sample that is pretty much just mosquitoes,' Jenkins said. 'As we catch them they're actually still alive and so they're very good specimens, we can do things like virus sampling and stuff on those specimens rather than with the light traps where they've been sitting dead for a week,' he added.
Sustainability Times
12-06-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'Mosquitoes Outwit Human Defenses': Scientists Uncover How These Insects Evade Traps and Survive Our Cleverest Tricks
IN A NUTSHELL 🐝 Male mosquitoes possess complex auditory systems, allowing them to hear a wide range of frequencies beyond simple wingbeats. possess complex auditory systems, allowing them to hear a wide range of frequencies beyond simple wingbeats. 🧬 Research reveals that male mosquitoes have evolved distinct genetic traits, enhancing their ability to detect and process sound. 🎯 Understanding these intricate acoustic cues could lead to the development of more effective mosquito traps and control methods. could lead to the development of more effective mosquito traps and control methods. 🔍 The study highlights the dual role of mosquito hearing for both mating and survival, offering new insights into pest management strategies. In the intricate dance of nature, the male mosquito emerges as an unexpected maestro, adeptly navigating the cacophony of sounds to locate its mate. Recent revelations from Nagoya University highlight the sophisticated auditory capabilities that male mosquitoes employ to outsmart both environmental noise and human attempts at control. As we dive into the nuances of mosquito acoustics, it becomes evident that these tiny creatures possess a remarkable ability to adapt and thrive, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for future mosquito management strategies. Mosquitoes Use Complex Acoustic Cues The world of mosquitoes is replete with sound, and it is the male mosquito that has evolved to harness these acoustic cues with astonishing precision. Traditional sound traps, designed to mimic female wingbeats, have underdelivered in real-world applications, capturing only a fraction of the intended targets. This shortfall arises because these traps fail to replicate the complex array of sounds that male mosquitoes are attuned to. Recent studies reveal that male mosquitoes are not merely passive listeners to a singular frequency. Instead, their hearing encompasses a wide range of sounds, from female wingbeats to the blended frequencies that occur when the wingbeats of males and females intertwine. This intricate auditory landscape explains the inadequacy of simple traps and hints at new pathways for developing more effective mosquito control solutions. 'We Finally Know Where They Come From': Astrophysicists Uncover Shocking Clues Behind Mysterious Birth of Intermediate-Mass Black Holes How Male Mosquitoes Process Sound To unravel the mysteries of mosquito hearing, researchers employed advanced techniques like calcium imaging to observe brain activity in mosquitoes. The focus was on the AMMC, or antennal mechanosensory and motor center, a critical auditory region in the mosquito brain. The findings were illuminating: male mosquitoes responded to a broader frequency range, between 150 to 500 Hz, compared to females, who mainly responded to 100 to 200 Hz. This wide auditory range is not merely a quirk but a sophisticated adaptation enabling males to pinpoint the location of females amidst dense swarms. Males exhibited four distinct sound response patterns, showcasing their complex auditory processing. This diversity suggests that male mosquitoes possess a far more intricate system for interpreting sound than previously understood, giving them a distinct edge in their reproductive pursuits. 'Earth Is Being Poisoned From Below': Microplastics Found in Earthworms Threaten Crops, Food Chains, and Human Survival Female Mosquito Sounds and Human Traps The evolution of mosquito hearing is a tale of survival and reproduction. Some male mosquito neurons exhibit negative responses, reducing activity at specific frequencies like 150 Hz. This ability to tune out extraneous noise or sharpen focus on particular sounds may be crucial for mating success. Interestingly, both male and female mosquitoes share certain low-frequency sound responses, likely a legacy from their evolutionary past. These sounds, akin to the wingbeats of predators like dragonflies, indicate that mosquitoes use sound not just for mating but as a vital survival mechanism. Moreover, genetic investigations have revealed that males express more genes related to cilia, the tiny hairs responsible for detecting vibrations. These genetic traits endow male mosquitoes with their exceptional auditory capabilities, making them a promising target for innovative mosquito control methods. 'NASA Freezes Human Aging': This Stunning Discovery Could Delay Death and Revolutionize Deep Space Survival Forever Surprisingly Complex Auditory System The auditory prowess of male mosquitoes is a testament to the intricate workings of evolution. This study sheds light on how mosquitoes have developed a highly specialized auditory system to improve mating success in noisy environments. Unlike a monotone mating cue, male mosquitoes interpret a rich tapestry of sound frequencies, including overlapping signals from male and female wingbeats. This complexity suggests that mosquitoes have been under significant evolutionary pressure to refine their hearing abilities, enabling them to locate mates in the chaos of swarming clouds. The study not only expands our understanding of mosquito biology but also opens doors to potentially more effective control strategies by mimicking or disrupting these auditory cues. As we delve deeper into the world of mosquito acoustics, a pressing question emerges: Can we leverage this newfound knowledge to outsmart mosquitoes and reduce their impact on human populations? The answer could hold the key to a quieter, mosquito-free future. What innovative solutions might arise from our enhanced understanding of mosquito hearing, and how will they shape our approach to pest control? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. 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The Sun
03-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
The 60p hack that will slug-proof your garden and stop your plants being eaten
A GARDEN expert has shared a simple 60p hack that will slug-proof your garden and protect your plants this summer. With the warmer weather upon us, you may have noticed the pesky critters wreaking havoc on your garden. 2 2 If you're wondering how to stop slugs nibbling at your veg gardens and flower beds, you will likely have tried a number of hacks. This could range from using fresh coffee grounds to slug repellent plants and there are endless pest control methods online. But, according to Homes & Garden writer, Thomas Rutter, the cucumber hack is the simplest and kindest. Stopping slugs and snails using the cucumber hack is surprisingly simple. While it may not eradicate these pests, it can help gardeners control their numbers. Rutter said: "First, raid your fridge drawer and retrieve a cucumber, before slicing it thinly. "Don't worry about the quality of the cucumber here, in fact, it is best to use those that are past their best." Rutter then advises to place the slices near your more vulnerable plants in the evening. Slugs and snails will be lured to the scent and moisture of the cucumber. Then, after a few hours or the following morning, you can collect the pests and dispose of them. It's not too dissimilar from companion planting or trap plants for pest control. But what's better is that it's a chemical-free approach, safe for pets and requires almost no effort. Rutter added: "Personally, I think this hack works best when deployed as part of a broader pest management battle plan. "So, why not learn how to keep ducks, which feed on these pests, while also using some copper tape around the rim of your pots, as well as encouraging natural predators such as frogs to keep the slug population down?" If you don't want to kill your garden pests, you can easily move them. Rutter advises to move them at least 50 or more feet away from your garden. This will overcome the pest's "homing instinct". You can also place them near a bird feeder and let nature take its course. But despite the gardener's frustration that slugs and snails have destroyed their veg crop, they play an important role in the biodiversity and ecosystem of our gardens. They're natural prey to many common backyard mammals and bird species and are also an invaluable part of your garden's composting process. IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know. Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass.
