Dealing with pests and rubbish in emergencies - HE2968

Information Sheet

Managing pests

Emergencies, such as natural disasters or other disruptions, make pests a bigger problem. They can spread disease, damage property and contaminate food. Keep things clean, and make sure rubbish and sewage are disposed of properly.

• Use insect repellent to keep away flies, mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies.
• Use pest-control products (available from hardware or farm supply shops). Follow all safety instructions to avoid harming people, animals, or the environment.
• Call professionals for large pest problems.
• Use rat and mouse baits safely. Keep all poisons away from children and pets.
• Get medical help if you are bitten or feel unwell after contact with pests.
• Stop mosquito breeding by emptying water from containers outside.
• Make sure all food is covered in pest proof containers.

Mosquitoes

• Empty water from containers like pots and buckets.
• Cover or screen water tanks.
• Drain or fill water-logged areas.
• Repair leaking septic tanks.
• Treat still water with larvicide or light oil to kill larvae.
• Spray outside surfaces and vegetation where adult mosquitos rest with a residual synthetic pyrethroid insecticide.

Flies

Flies breed quickly — about one week per cycle.

• Keep rubbish and manure covered or remove them.
• Install screens on doors and windows.
• Use fly sprays (e.g., Raid®, Mortein®) for quick control.
• Apply a residual synthetic pyrethroid insecticide¹ to walls, ceilings, window frames and nearby vegetation.

Fleas, Lice, Ticks

• Keep grass short, clear weeds.
• Vacuum carpets and furniture and wash bedding often.
• Treat pets regularly.
• Use a residual synthetic pyrethroid insecticide¹ on infested areas, clothes, bedding, beds and furnishings.
• Wash or heat-treat clothing and bedding (at least 60°C or a hot dryer for 30 minutes).

Bed Bugs

• Check beds and bedding often.
• Use a residual synthetic pyrethroid insecticide1 for cracks, crevices, bed frames and mattresses (e.g. permethrin, deltamethrin, cypermethrin).
• Call pest control experts if needed.

Rodents (Rats and Mice)

• Store food securely and remove rubbish.
• Seal all holes and entry points.
• Use traps and baits (e.g. brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difethialone, flocoumafen).
• Remove food and water sources.
• Use pest control experts for large infestations.

Managing rubbish

Tell your insurance company about any damaged items before getting rid of it. If you are not insured, make a list of any items being dumped. Take photos if necessary to record what you are getting rid of.

Rubbish collection may be disrupted, and piles of waste attract pests.

• Follow instructions from Civil Defence or your local council on getting rid of rubbish.
• Separate food scraps from non-perishables and compost if possible or keep in a vermin proof bin. Flatten bulky items.
• Hazardous substances like chemicals should be handled with extreme care. Wear protective gear, avoid floodwaters, and report unknown or dangerous waste (e.g. asbestos) to your local council.
• Dispose of dead animals promptly to prevent disease and water contamination. Seek advice from your local council on disposal options.

If collection is not available

• Remove: take it to a central collection point if one exists.
• Burn: Dry rubbish in drums or in a simple incinerator (if permitted by council - concrete blocks, bricks and wire mesh).
• Store: rubbish in one place that is shaded and animal proof. Use covered containers or tightly tied plastic bags until collection resumes.

For more information

• Contact your local council
• Visit Health New Zealand website Protecting your health during and after a natural disaster
• For workplace waste visit Hazardous waste | WorkSafe

1. examples of residual synthetic pyrethroid insecticide are alpha-cypermethrin, cypermethrin deltamethrin, permethrin or bifenthrin