Armourguard weeds out noxious pests

Armourguard weeds out noxious pests

Armourguard is well known for protecting property from shady characters, but a contract with the Marlborough District Council has the company protecting the region from a different sort of pest – Chilean needle grass.

Armourguard Marlborough picked up the unusual contract approximately two years ago which involves monitoring infested needle grass areas.

Armourguard General Manager, Ian Anderson, said the contract was an unusual one for the company.

“While it’s a pretty unusual and quirky contract it’s a very important one.  We’re the people who make sure all the contractors’ vehicles, machinery and equipment used in the Blind River area is free of any needle grass as a way of minimising contamination to other areas.

“When we’re called out to carry out inspections, it’s simply a case of checking to see that no grass has become stuck to the equipment or vehicle. If there is any grass remaining, it has to be removed and the equipment or vehicle must be thoroughly washed before leaving the area,” Ian said.

There are currently three trained Armourguard employees who are called out to complete the examination of equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Council.

Marlborough District Council Senior Biosecurity Officer - Plant, Ben Minehan, said Chilean needle grass is a major problem in the Marlborough region.

“The grass produces sharp seed heads, which can catch easily in the fur of animals. It’s particularly dangerous for sheep, as the seed heads can burrow into their skin and can also cause damage to lambs’ eyes.

“The grass is most likely to spread by machinery, stock and humans rather than by wind. The seeds are heavy and tend to catch on to whatever they come into contact with and, therefore, can easily spread to new locations.

“The Armourguard employees play a key role in our drive to stop the spread of Chilean needle grass in the Marlborough region and they are to be commended for the great work they are doing.”

For further information
Kieran Stoltenkamp
P: 09 578 0786
M: 021 039 5318
E: wholenineyards@xtra.co.nz