Most New Zealanders, (including Aucklanders) still have the Kiwi D.I.Y. attitude. Pest control is no exception. People will often try their hand at pest control issues before calling in a professional. There is mixed success at pest control D.I.Y. style some pests problems are minor and easily controlled and other problems not so minor. Many of these can be researched (googled) and sorted with good information. The problem is the web is it mixes the good information with the terrible information and throws in the old wives tales  to the mix.  The D.I.Y approach will not make up for years of industry experience when calling a pest control professional…. and any failed D.I.Y attempt usually comes with the price of wasted time and money on D.I.Y. products.

One tip that usually holds true is this: Spend more money on the best D.I.Y. products. If you think you can get away without using a professional then you may as well use the best products available without a handlers certificate. It will still be cheaper than calling a Pest controller and increases your chance of success.

Sift through the research : Don’t accept the first solution you read on the web. Try to find a few sites that agree on the best solution or product before launching into action. This increases the chance of finding the right advice.

Know you enemy: Ants? What type of ants, where are the trails. Cockroaches? What type? Can you identify them through pictures on the net? Have they bred already? The solution changes with the type of problem you have. Above all else knowing your pest will help you the most.

In my opinion, the most comprehensive range of DIY pest control products available without an approved handlers certificate is the kiwi-care range. There are better products available for certain problems - but kiwi-care offer a one stop shop and will probably have what you need. Without years of experience to know where to go for the best of each individual product - they are probably your best bet. They have a very active online presence so you may find specific advice. For more commercial products,try the no-pest.co.nz website although some of the products here require an approved handlers licence.