Agricultural compounds and pesticides
Agricultural compounds are used for many purposes, including protecting native plants and wildlife and minimising health risks from pests.
Why pesticides and agricultural compounds are used
A range of pesticides and agricultural compounds are used in Aotearoa New Zealand for many purposes, including to:
- protect native plants and wildlife
- avoid insect bites
- minimise health risks from pests
- protect houses and buildings from infestation
- prevent spoilage of crops.
Pest control
Chemicals for pest control are commonly used, both commercially and in the home. They are used for prevention, control and treatment.
Pests and insects (internal link)
The Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora website has a table to show prevention, control and treatment measures to use if you find you have pests in your home.
- Environmental and health impacts of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (external link)
- Environmental and health impacts of the insect juvenile hormone analogue, S-methoprene (external link)
- Environmental and Health Impacts of the Mosquito Control Agent Agnique (external link)
- Recommendations for Estimating Pesticide Effects on Nontarget Organisms during Mosquito Eradication Programmes in New Zealand (external link)
- Human Health Considerations in the Use of Btk-Based Insecticide Foray 48B for Asian Gypsy Moth in Hamilton (external link)
- Pathways of Entry and Spread of Exotic Mosquitoes (external link)
Vertebrate Toxic Agents
Vertebrate Toxic Agents (VTAs) are pesticides such as 1080, cyanide, and brodifacoum. They are used to eliminate or control populations of pests such as:
- possums
- rabbits
- stoats
- rats.
To be able to use certain VTAs and other hazardous substances, you may need to apply for permission from a public health officer. You have a legal obligation to comply with any conditions in the permission.
- Guidelines for Issuing Permissions for the Use of Vertebrate Toxic Agents — Ministry of Health (external link)
- Vertebrate pesticide toxicology manual — Department of Conservation (external link)
- Vertebrate Toxic Agents (VTAs) — Worksafe (external link)
- Keeping safe around 1080 — Environmental Protection Authority (external link)
- Notify us about changes to the use or formulation of a vertebrate toxic agent — Environmental Protection Authority (external link)