Weird & Wild Pest Facts from Rural NZ

When most people think of pests in New Zealand, they think of damage, control methods, and maybe the odd late-night spotlighting session. But behind the chaos caused by rabbits, possums, pigs, and other rural pests lies a world of truly fascinating facts. From bizarre biology to historical oddities, New Zealand's pests are full of surprises.

At T & C’s Pest Control Services, we deal with these creatures daily across farms, forestry blocks, and lifestyle properties throughout rural Wellington and beyond. And the more you know about them, the better you understand just how complex and persistent they really are.

In this blog, we’re taking a break from our usual advice and insight to bring you something a little different: a collection of fun, weird, and wild facts about New Zealand’s most notorious rural pests. Some are fascinating. Some are gross. Some are just plain weird. But all of them show just how interesting (and dangerous) these animals can be.

A Female Rabbit Can Have 50+ Babies a Year

A single female rabbit can produce up to seven litters per year, with 4–12 kits per litter. In ideal conditions, one doe can generate over 50 offspring annually. And young rabbits? They can begin breeding at just 3–4 months old.

No wonder a rabbit problem can quickly turn into a full-blown invasion.

Wallabies Have Been in NZ Since the 1870s

Wallabies were introduced from Australia in the late 1800s for private estates and parks. Fast-forward to now, and they’re well-established in regions like Canterbury, Bay of Plenty, and Waikato, quietly damaging pasture, native bush, and pine plantations.

Possum Fur is Denser Than a Polar Bear's

Possums have more fur per square centimetre than polar bears (seriously!) This keeps them warm, agile, and active through the coldest months. It’s also what made them so attractive for fur trading in the 1800s. Now they’re widespread and consume 20,000+ tonnes of vegetation nightly across NZ.

Feral Pigs Have Excellent Long-Term Memory

Feral pigs are clever. They remember where food sources are and avoid places where they’ve sensed danger (sometimes for years!) Once pigs associate an area with a threat, they avoid it completely. That’s why amateur pest control can make things harder over time - the pigs get smarter.

Goats Have Rectangular Pupils and Nearly 340° Vision

Wild goats have rectangular pupils that give them an almost panoramic view of their surroundings. This helps them spot predators (and pest controllers) from nearly any direction. Combine that with their agility and fast reproduction, and you’ve got a very resilient pest.

Stoats Were Introduced to “Fix” the Rabbit Problem

In the 1880s, stoats were introduced to control rabbits. Big mistake. They didn’t fix the rabbit issue... instead, they turned on native birds. Stoats are vicious, smart, and will often kill for sport, wiping out ground-nesting species like kiwi and pāteke.

Feral Pigs Can Breed Twice a Year with 10+ Piglets Each Time

Each sow can produce 20+ piglets annually, all of which can begin breeding within 6–8 months. That means a small pig problem can turn into a massive one within a year (especially in rough terrain with no natural predators).

Possums Eat Bird Eggs and Chicks

Possums aren’t just vegetarians. They’re omnivores and have been caught eating eggs, chicks, and even adult birds. They raid nests, compete for food, and push native species further toward extinction. They're often active in roofs, bush canopies, and sheds.

Thermal Scopes Can Spot Pests From Over 300 Meters

We use thermal imaging to locate rabbits, possums, goats, and more... even in total darkness. A good thermal monocular can detect body heat from 300 meters away, helping us locate pests hiding in scrub, tall grass, or tree lines.

Rabbits Prefer North-Facing Slopes

North-facing slopes (in the Southern Hemisphere) get more sun and rabbits love them! That’s why burrows, grazing trails, and nests are often found on dry, sunny slopes or banks where warmth and visibility are high.

Bonus: All These Facts Have One Thing in Common…

They show that pests are smart, fast-breeding, and very good at adapting to NZ’s environment. That’s why a “wait and see” approach almost always backfires.

Rural pests won’t manage themselves. And they definitely won’t slow down on their own.

WE KNOW THE LAND. WE KNOW THE PESTS

At T & C’s Pest Control Services, we deal with rabbits, pigs, goats, possums, deer, and more. Every week, every season, every condition.

We use humane, firearms-based methods only — no traps, no poisons — tailored to each property.

📬 Head to our contact page to get in touch and talk about your rural pest concerns.

T & C’s Pest Control Services — Rural pest control, done right.

T & C's Pest Control Services