Animal Pest Control Methods
What's the course about?
The course provides an overview of animal pests, their impacts and control methods (including the principles these are based on, and the task specifications DOC has developed).
The course covers all the legal requirements for animal welfare and handling toxins. Working within the law is vital to allow pest control agencies and community groups continued access to the full suite of animal pest control methods
In particular, it describes the six control methods most commonly used in DOC, and their advantages and disadvantages. That is:
- Three pesticides - 'Feratox Strikers', hand laid cyanide and 1080 cereal baits in 'Philproof' bait stations
- Three traps - 'Victor Professional' rat traps, 'Warrior' possum kill traps and 'Doc200' stoat kill traps
The course describes best practice in the field when setting trap lines and placing traps and pesticides. These ensure pest operations meet animal ethics targets and avoid non-target kills while maximising pest control. Animal Pest Control Methods also reinforces the correct use of personal protective equipment.
Who is it for?
Anyone who works or wants to work or volunteer in conservation, including:
- Regional Council staff
- Volunteers
- Members of community groups/Trusts/funding recipients
How much does it cost?
View the full list of prices.
Where are the courses held?
This is a three and a half day course. Half a day is classroom-based and the rest of the time is spent in the field, learning through 'hands-on' experience.
Courses are held in each of the DOC's three training venues: Thames, Nelson and Glenorchy. Costs to you are travel, accommodation and meals.
Find out about the training venues.
Assessment
Animal Pest Control Methods is assessment-based and a specified level of competence must be achieved to pass the course and gain approval to do this type of work (for DOC operations). In time, the course will become a New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) accredited course.
When are the next courses?
Check the training calendar for the next courses.
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