Please ensure there are at least 2 people present from your team when you approach landowners, or go out collecting moth plant pods, seedlings or cutting vines.
- Keep yourself safe. Tell people where you are going, wear appropriate gear and use appropriate tools.
- The sap from moth plant vines is white, sticky and can be a skin irritant for some people. Make sure you wear old clothing that you don’t mind getting stained with moth plant sap as it is difficult to remove.
- Wear covered shoes, gloves, long sleeves, long pants and protective eyewear or sunglasses to protect yourselves from the sap. Wearing a cap or hat is also a good idea.
- You must ask and receive permission from the landowner before you go on their land to remove moth plant pods or seedlings. If you do not know who the owner is, knock on the front door and explain what you are doing - the Auckland Council Flyer can help with this as it shows that moth plant is a designated pest plant in Auckland. Be aware of dogs on the property and other dangers. Keep in mind when approaching landowners that they may not want you on their property and be respectful.
- Take care of the rest of the plants and trees in the garden and avoid damaging them.
- Carefully remove all pods, trying to avoid them splitting open.
- Dig or pull out all seedlings and vines if practical. If vines are still thin and green coming out of the ground you should be able to remove them by the roots, unless they are stuck in a crack or crevice.You can test if they can be removed without snapping by pulling gently. Even bigger, woody vines can be pulled out if the soil around them is loose. You can loosen the soil by digging around the vine with a trowel.
- To find the roots, trace the vines back down to the ground.
- Cut vines can be left to die on site – there is no need to remove them.
- If you cannot dig out the plant, cut vines near the ground leaving approx. 10 cm showing and advise S.T.A.M.P via email: [email protected]
- If you have herbicide gel, you can paste the stem and sides straight after cutting. If you have not used herbicide gel, read the label thoroughly before use. Apply sparingly and only use in dry weather conditions. Avoid dripping or using near waterways, or getting onto non-target plants.
- Only attempt to remove moth plant pods that can be easily reached by standing at ground level. Do not climb trees, fences or buildings to try and reach pods.
- If moth plant pods are hard to reach, you can remove them using a fruit picker, rake, boat hook or by creating your own extension tool using a hook and pole.
- Take a rubbish sack to gather pods and small vines in so you can dispose of them appropriately in your landfill bin, or community weed bin - after you take a photo for the competition of course!
- For larger infestations leave a brochure for the landowner.
- Revisit the site to deal with any regrowth and aim to revegetate the site with grass or native plants to prevent further seedling germination. After cutting, moth plants wither quickly making it easy to see any plants that have been missed within a day of pulling or cutting.