Nelson & Tasman Pest Control

Ants usually enter homes in search of food or moisture. While most species are more of an annoyance than a direct health risk, some, like the white-footed ant, can be difficult to eradicate without professional treatment. Ant colonies can number in the thousands, meaning DIY sprays often only address the surface problem.

JAE uses targeted ant baits and barrier treatments to address both the visible trail and the nest.

Bed bugs are a surprisingly common problem across New Zealand and are notoriously difficult to eliminate once established. They hide in mattress seams, bed frames, and soft furnishings, emerging at night to feed on sleeping humans and leaving behind itchy, red bite marks. Bed bugs can also hitchhike into your home via second-hand furniture, luggage, and clothing, meaning even the cleanest properties can be affected.

JAE uses specialist treatments to target bed bugs at all life stages, including eggs, to break the cycle and clear the infestation.

Borer beetles are a widespread problem in New Zealand homes, particularly in older properties with untreated timber. The larvae bore through floorboards, joists, and furniture, weakening the timber over time. Signs of borer include small round exit holes and fine powdery dust (frass) beneath affected timber.

JAE uses specialist penetrating insecticide treatments to eliminate borer larvae.

Carpet beetles are a small but destructive pest whose larvae feed on natural fibres including wool, silk, leather, and feathers. Like carpet moths, the damage they cause often goes unnoticed until carpets, rugs, clothing, or upholstery show irregular patches of thinning or bare patches. Adult carpet beetles are often spotted near windows as they are attracted to light.

JAE can treat affected areas with targeted insecticide applications to eliminate larvae and protect your soft furnishings.

Carpet moths are a lesser-known but destructive pest. Their larvae feed on natural fibres including wool, silk, and feathers, meaning wool carpets, rugs, and upholstery are particularly vulnerable. Damage often appears in low-traffic areas such as under furniture or along skirting boards, and may not be noticed until it becomes significant.

JAE can treat affected carpets and rugs with specialist insecticide applications to interrupt the lifecycle and prevent further damage.

Cockroaches are resilient, fast-moving pests that thrive in warm, humid environments, particularly in kitchens, bathrooms, and behind appliances. They carry bacteria and allergens that can trigger asthma and cause food contamination. Spotting even one cockroach in your home is often a sign of a larger hidden population.

Our technicians use targeted gel baits and insecticide treatments to eliminate cockroach colonies.

Earwigs are a common garden pest that can find their way inside homes in large numbers, particularly during hot, dry weather when they are seeking moisture. While they are mostly harmless to humans and do not cause structural damage, they can damage seedlings and plants in the garden and their pincer-like tails make them an unwelcome sight indoors.

JAE can treat both interior and exterior areas to reduce earwig numbers and advise on conditions around your property that may be attracting them.

Fleas are a common problem in homes with pets, but they can persist even after pets have been treated. They bite humans and animals, causing itching and irritation, and in some cases can transmit tapeworms.

Flea eggs can lie dormant in carpet fibres and upholstery for months, and most DIY flea bombs are not strong enough to kill flea eggs, meaning the problem often comes back even after treatment.

Flies are a particular concern in commercial food preparation environments, but can also be a persistent problem in residential properties, especially during summer. Blowflies, house flies, and cluster flies all pose hygiene risks, as they land on food and surfaces and can transmit bacteria.

JAE can apply residual treatments to key fly entry points and resting surfaces. We can also advise on environmental factors that may be contributing to the problem.

Harlequin ladybugs are an invasive species that has established itself across New Zealand in recent years. Unlike our native ladybugs, harlequins can become a significant nuisance in large numbers, congregating on the exterior of buildings in autumn and finding their way inside to overwinter in wall cavities, window frames, and roof spaces. They can leave behind a yellow staining liquid when disturbed and their sheer numbers can be overwhelming.

JAE can treat entry points and affected areas to reduce harlequin ladybug numbers and help prevent them from getting inside.

Pantry moths, also known as Indian meal moths, are a common kitchen pest that infest dried food products including flour, rice, cereals, nuts, and spices. The larvae spin fine silky webbing inside packaging and contaminate food, often going unnoticed until the infestation is well established. If you have noticed small moths flying around your kitchen or fine webbing inside your pantry, it is likely you have a pantry moth problem.

JAE can treat pantry moth infestations and advise on how to store food properly to prevent them from returning.

Portuguese millipedes are an introduced species that can invade homes in large numbers, particularly in autumn when they are on the move. They are attracted to light and often find their way inside through gaps around doors, windows, and foundations. While they do not bite or cause structural damage, they can be extremely difficult to keep on top of and emit an unpleasant odour when disturbed or crushed.

JAE can apply barrier treatments around the exterior of your property to reduce Portuguese millipede invasions and help seal the entry points they are using to get inside.

Rodents are one of the most common pests in kiwi homes and businesses. They gnaw through wiring, insulation, and timber, and can spread diseases such as leptospirosis through their urine and droppings. If you hear scratching in the walls or ceiling, find droppings, or notice chew marks on food packaging, you may have a rodent problem.

JAE uses a combination of baiting stations and trapping to eliminate rodent activity.

Silverfish are small, fast-moving insects that feed on starchy materials, including paper, cardboard, book bindings, wallpaper, and textiles. They tend to inhabit damp areas such as bathrooms, laundries, and roof spaces. Although they do not bite, a large silverfish population can cause significant damage to books, documents, and clothing over time.

JAE uses residual insecticide treatments to address silverfish and reduce the conditions that attract them.

Most spiders found in New Zealand homes are harmless, but species such as the katipo, white tail and redback spider can deliver painful bites, and the recently arrived noble false widow spider is raising concerns across the country. Beyond safety concerns, heavy webbing inside and outside the home is unsightly and can be difficult to keep on top of.

JAE treats both interior and exterior surfaces to reduce spider populations and prevent re-entry.

Wasp nests found near doorways, in roof cavities, or in garden areas can be dangerous, particularly for anyone with an allergy to wasp stings. New Zealand's native German and common wasps can build large nests and become aggressive when disturbed. JAE technicians are equipped to locate and treat wasp nests safely. Do not attempt to remove a wasp nest yourself as this can provoke an attack.