Night Drone Survey for Pest Control

The Timaru District Council has partnered with High Country Contracting to implement the district’s pest management plan thanks to thermal survey technology.

The team at High Country Contracting will be conducting a drone survey next week during the evening to determine pest numbers in various locations in the Timaru District before undertaking a night shoot if needed. The company is CAA certificated and will adhere to strict regulations for drone use.

The survey helps develop a plan to stop pests such as rabbits and possums from damaging and depleting native plants in various council areas without having to use any poisons.

The drone uses thermal imaging technology which uses infra-red light wavelengths to spot pests that would otherwise be easily missed in dense areas. The heat contrast between the dark of night and the thermal heat of the animals provides a clear pin point of where the pests are located.

Khan Adam, General Manager of High Country Contracting said this technology has enabled him and his team to efficiently and safely keep pest numbers down in the Timaru District.

“This technology allows us to know exactly where and how many pests there are before we have to act while ensuring pets and non-targets are safe, it also means we can provide a non-toxic solution for control. It’s a win win situation.”

Depending on weather conditions, the survey will occur between 24th to 26th July. If the survey has to be postponed due to bad weather, we will notify the community.

The survey will be happening at the following locations, Claremont bush, Caroline Bay, South Beach, Otipua Wetlands, Torope Fields Temuka, Botanic Gardens and Timaru Cemetery / Redruth Park, so please stay away from these areas after dark.