Story: Pest Patrol
Episode: 4
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane
Air Date: 6 September 2025

Stay ahead of garden pests this spring, treat snails, slugs, lilies, and rodents early, monitor regularly, and act consistently to keep your plants healthy and thriving.

• Protect new foliage with iron-based baits and pellets, safer for pets and the environment than traditional toxic varieties.
• Mealybugs and thrips can damage Kaffir (fire) lilies, treat with eco oil, ensuring full coverage, repeated as needed, and applied before temperatures exceed 28°C.
• Rats can eat fruit and harm wildlife, use contained baits, high-frequency deterrents, and remove food sources like fallen or ripening fruit.
• Early spring action prevents major damage; pests adapt quickly, so consistent monitoring and treatment are essential.
• Alongside pest control, watch for caterpillars, fungal diseases, and weeds, addressing these now keeps your spring garden healthy and thriving.