From a career producing surgical instruments, Bob Mitchell used his research, development and tool making skills to bring a simple, safe device for getting rid of guava moths to New Zealand orchards and gardens. Moving north from the hustle and bustle of Auckland, he and his wife Barbara bought a ten-acre lifestyle orchard property with macadamia nuts, citrus, tamarillos, figs, avocados, apples, p
lums and feijoas. To their dismay, they discovered their feijoas, apples, macadamia nuts, and lately even mandarins, were being overrun with grubs, rendering them inedible. They were stunned to see just how much damage a single species of insect could inflict on a crop. After much frustration at the damage the guava moths were causing, and unwilling to use hazardous chemicals, it was obvious that there was a need for something better. Bob has a knack for creating solutions from a variety of resources. A specialist in surgical devices, Bob came to New Zealand from the UK to help the late Sir Brian Barratt-Boyes’ team set up the cardio-thoracic unit at Green Lane Hospital. Being very aware of the long-term, harmful effects of using toxic sprays for pest control, and the fact that sprays are largely ineffective for guava moths, Bob brought his many years’ experience in the electronic and medical instrument field to the task. The cost-effective, spray free solution to guava moth control was born. The Little Bugga guava moth trap was built, tested, and field trials monitored by fellow Kerikeri orchardists. The solar powered moth trap works like a treat. It is an environmentally friendly method of insect control and can also be used in conjunction with pheromones. Our solar guava moth traps are now being used by home gardeners, as well as major commercial growers to ensure fruit meets stringent export quality standards. Determined to keep the manufacture of the solar traps here in New Zealand, Bob Mitchell and his growing team has committed to full production tooling and jigging, all held here in New Zealand.
