Animal control

We utilise a range of advanced monitoring tools to support pest management operations. This includes trail cameras, thermal imaging devices, GPS tracking, UAV (drone) technology, and live-feed surveillance systems. Cameras and sensors are strategically placed on animal trails or feeding areas to monitor pest activity, assess population numbers, and track persistence in eradication zones. Our UAV capabilities further enhance surveillance efforts, providing aerial imagery, thermal data, and detailed mapping to support data-driven decision-making. These technologies allow us to gather real-time information across various terrains, enabling targeted, efficient, and adaptive pest control while reducing the need for ground-based surveys in challenging or remote environments.

We utilise a range of specialised trapping methods tailored to effectively manage a variety of pest species. Our approach includes the use of live capture, leg-hold, and kill traps, selected based on the target species and site requirements. All traps are strategically placed to minimise the risk to non-target species, and checked regularly to ensure animal welfare standards and compliance. For long-term control, we establish permanent trap networks using species-specific devices to support ongoing pest management objectives.

Night shooting is an effective method used to control a range of pest species, including predators, possums, ungulates, and lagomorphs. This technique combines the use of spotlights and advanced thermal imaging technology to maximise detection and efficiency. Our experienced operators are skilled in night shooting practices, ensuring safe, humane, and targeted removal of pest animals.

Conventional aerial shooting remains one of the most effective methods for large-scale animal control in remote and rugged terrain. Using skilled marksmen and experienced pilots, this approach enables efficient population management over vast areas where ground-based control is impractical.

At Rentokil Rural, we combine precision shooting with expert helicopter operations to ensure humane and effective results. Our teams are trained to operate in challenging environments, maintaining high safety standards while minimizing the risk of non-target impacts. This method is a proven tool in integrated pest management, helping to protect biodiversity, agriculture, and native ecosystems.

Rentokil Rural also incorporates a gun-mounted ShotKam system to enhance accuracy and accountability during operations. The ShotKam continuously films but only records upon detecting recoil, capturing footage both before and after each shot. This provides a precise media record of the animal being dispatched, ensuring transparency and aiding in performance review. When multiple shots are fired, the system automatically extends the recording, offering a comprehensive visual log of the engagement.

Rentokil Rural has extensive experience in Thermally Assisted Aerial Control (TAAC), using cutting-edge thermal imaging to enhance precision in aerial animal management and eradication. Our team has successfully executed numerous projects across diverse landscapes, leveraging advanced technology to detect animals even through dense forest canopies, significantly improving efficiency and accuracy.

Rentokil Rural has developed a specialised TAAC system featuring a high-grade FLIR T1040 thermal camera, mounted on a body-stabilized gimbal for use in helicopter operations. This camera offers exceptional range and UltraMax resolution of up to 3.1M, ensuring unmatched detail and clarity in thermal detection.

To further enhance targeting, the system includes a 750mW high-grade green laser pointer, which aligns with the thermal camera to guide the shooter and pilot. This precision setup enables real-time coordination, allowing the team to accurately track and engage targets in even the most challenging terrain.

Bait stations are an effective tool for managing persistent populations. We utilise both toxic and non-toxic baiting solutions, selecting the most appropriate method based on site conditions, target species, and project objectives. Our experienced team is fully licensed to handle and deploy controlled substances where required, ensuring all regulatory and safety standards are met. We also provide complete end-to-end project management — from planning and consenting through to implementation and ongoing maintenance — ensuring that all compliance, environmental, and operational requirements are efficiently managed throughout the programme.

Hand-laid toxins are used as a targeted control method for specific pest species, with the type of poison and application technique carefully selected to suit the site, target species, and stakeholder requirements. Our team prioritises safety and environmental responsibility, ensuring toxins are only placed in controlled locations where the risk to non-target species, pets, and domestic animals is minimised. All operations are carried out in accordance with regulatory requirements and best practice standards.

Rentokil Rural has considerable expertise in the end to end delivery of control of a variety of pest and predator species using aerially applied toxins.

With a dedicated workforce for management of landscape scale control operations throughout New Zealand, and able to work nationally to support operational delivery. Our collective experience includes management of the largest, most technically and logistically challenging aerial operations ever carried out in NZ.

Our workforce are experts at engaging with affected parties and other communities of interest, and navigating the complex regulatory environment to gain approvals necessary for delivery of aerial control in close proximity to a range of sensitive values such as farmland, iconic native species, water supplies and recreational facilities.

We have a strong and stable network of subcontractors, such as helicopter operators, located strategically throughout the country, with most of these relationships being longterm and all selected on the basis of outstanding performance in the delivery of aerial baiting services. Some of our subcontractors are at the cutting edge of innovation, and all have invested significantly in suitable aircraft, vehicles and other specialised equipment necessary for accurate and efficient bait application.

With our nationwide footprint we are able to mobilise a large workforce in response to projects with shorter lead times, challenging operational needs such as simultaneous operations from multiple sites and managing complex logistics for ancillary activities. Our workforce includes a number of specialists including people in dedicated GIS, operations planning and technical roles.

We are recognised by clients and regulators as innovators, with the business having developed a range of novel solutions to improve efficiency, manage risk, and ensure efficacious control. These include wireless data transfer, an inventory management system from controlled substances that has been widely adopted by control agencies, bait manufacturers, storage facilities and other control contractors.