A global leader in toxin-free pest control is urging Australian policymakers to go further than a temporary suspension of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, calling for a full ban on the poisons, due to their ongoing risks to wildlife and the environment.
Founded in New Zealand in 2005 by Craig Bond and Robbie Van Dam, Goodnature was built on a simple mission: to control pests without poison. The company advocates for toxin-free trap systems as a safer, more humane alternative, and its products are now used in more than 60 countries, including Australia. Goodnature traps have killed more than 25 million pests globally and are widely adopted in countries that have banned rodenticides, such as Sweden and Norway.
Bond says it's disappointing the proposals stop short of a full ban.
"Ideally, this would have resulted in a blanket ban on anticoagulant rodenticides," he said. "There are effective alternatives available, including automatic, toxin-free traps. Australia won't make meaningful progress unless it takes a clear stand against these poisons."
Bond warned the risks of anticoagulant rodenticides extend well beyond their intended use, citing their long-lasting environmental impact, including secondary poisoning in native species.
"Once they're distributed, these poisons stay in the environment, enter waterways and harm birds and native animals," he said. "The ripple effects go far beyond pests. The review isn't a step backwards, but it does feel like a missed opportunity."
Killing pests without toxins eliminates the risk of secondary poisoning - where another animal consumes a poisoned rat or mouse - which can threaten native predators such as owls and quolls. Launched last year, Goodnature's smart Mouse Trap uses infrared sensors to detect the mouse before delivering a swift humane kill; Australia now accounts for 12 per cent of the trap's total kills.
"Well-designed traps deliver a fast, humane kill and are more cost-effective over time," Bond said. "They're a cleaner, safer and more responsible way to control pests while protecting native wildlife."
Bond says the benefits of this approach are clear. In New Zealand, Goodnature works alongside conservation groups in some of the country's most iconic and sensitive environments, including Fiordland National Park. Six years ago, rats were more commonly sighted than the native Kiwi in parts of the region. A locally led conservation effort using Goodnature traps has led to native bird populations rebounding.
"By taking toxins out of the equation, we've seen stronger community engagement in pest control, alongside a reduction in harm to wildlife and the environment," Bond says.
He said Goodnature's approach reflects growing global demand for environmentally responsible pest control.
"Our goal is to provide effective pest control while reducing toxins, and meeting rising expectations for sustainable solutions," he said.
As Australia considers its next steps, Goodnature is urging policymakers, pest control operators and consumers to embrace non-toxic alternatives.
"Australia has the opportunity to set a global example in responsible pest control," Bond said. "This consultation period is a chance to step forward, protect the environment and lead the way in safer, more sustainable pest management."
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About Goodnature
Established in 2005, Goodnature is the only B Corp certified pest control company in the world. Initially beginning its mission in the wild to eradicate pests, it's now scaling its goal of rewilding the world with the introduction of the Goodnature Mouse Trap, the first product they've designed for inside the home in 20 years. So far, their traps have killed 25 million pests globally and wiped out rat populations in four of New Zealand's most fragile ecosystems. Goodnature is also trusted by some of the world's toughest conservation groups, including the Nature Conservancy, Predator Free 2050 and the United Nations Development Program.
