Bug busters

Summer brings a barrage of bugs. What green practices will help to keep them at bay and who do we phone if we want our house de-bugged?
 

Gimmicks or goodies?

Ultrasonic pest controls emit a high-pitched disorientating sound which humans can’t hear but which creates an uncomfortable living environment for rodents and some insects. To date there is no product on sale in New Zealand with a proven track record.

Citronella candles use citronella oil made from a tropical Asian grass related to lemon grass, a common ingredient in Thai food. The candles give off an odour which curtails mozzie activity. Reasonably effective if you don’t mind the smell.

Mosquito coils, repelling incense spirals, are usually made from a dried paste of pyrethrum powder. Tests show they offer 80 percent protection but there are health concerns. According to experts, smoke emitted from one mosquito-repellent coil is equivalent to that from 100 cigarettes.

HOUSE SPRAYING

Want to have your house sprayed for spiders and flies but don’t know where to start? The Pest Control listings in the Yellow Pages are bulging with promises but what should you look for?

- Choose a qualified pest technician with a Certificate in Urban Pest Management (training for this takes two years) through the Open Polytechnic. All operators should have an Approved Handler Test Certificate which confirms they have the knowledge, experience and competence necessary to safely handle hazardous substances.

- Check that your pest controller is a member of the Pest Management Association of New Zealand Inc. This means they understand the chemicals and equipment, they have public liability insurance and a health and safety policy in place. Find its members in your area on www.pmanz.co.nz

- Ask in advance for a copy of the material safety data sheet. It should outline what products can be used.

- Let them know if you have people living in the house who are elderly, or have allergies or asthma, or if you have a baby at crawling stage. What advice do they have?

- Ask to see qualification and identification documentation when pest controllers arrive at your home.

- Before the spray is applied, cover all food-preparation areas, seats, bedding, children’s toys, toilet seats and towels. A room occupied by a baby should not be sprayed.

- After application, do not re-enter your house for three hours to allow the spray to dry and for atomized mist particles to be vented away.

The deal on DEET

DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) is a mosquito-repellent chemical that’s been around for more than 50 years. The concentration of DEET in a repellent can be as high as 80 percent; always choose one with minimal levels, preferably less than 10 percent, and use it only when it’s essential. Look for DEET-free repellents containing herbal essential oils such as citronella, lavender, lemon grass, pennyroyal and peppermint. You’ll need to apply these more often and they may not be as effective as DEET-based types but they are safer for long-term use. Consumer magazine says concern has been expressed about products that combine DEET with sunscreen.

Defend your skin

Goodbye Sandfly, a natural bug repellent and bite soother, was developed by two canoe guides on the Dart River in Glenorchy 12 years ago. It now boasts an international following as well as being sold across Aotearoa. Check out its NZ Sandfly Map at www.goodbyesandfly.co.nz

Tui Bug Balm, made by a workers’ cooperative in Golden Bay, turns away sandflies, mozzies and other biters with a blend of naturally sourced ingredients which include lemon eucalyptus and neem oils. It can also help soothe itching and is ideal for using on children.
www.tuibalms.co.nz

IN THE GARDEN

Slugs and snails don’t like moving over rough ground so sprinkle cracked eggshells, soot or bark around your garden beds or half-bury a yoghurt container and fill it with beer... they’ll dive in. A squirt of soapy water can kill aphids and intercropping in the vegetable garden can confuse pests so fewer eggs are laid.