Pest control

These words are common names for rodents that look alike to the casual eye. Rat is used to describe medium-sized rodents with long thin tails. Mouse is used to describe tiny, sparrow-sized rodents with long thin tails.

Both rats and mice may be vectors or carriers of disease and can cause damage to property and cause a fire hazard. It is particularly important to keep rats and mice away from food or food contact surfaces.

To assist in preventing rats and mice:

• Build them out. Seal all entry points such as doors, pipes, vents or holes that allow access.
• Ensure food is protected by using containers with tightly fitting lids.
• Remove all food waste that may encourage rats and mice.
• Ensure rubbish is not overflowing and is removed regularly.
• Use rat/mice treatments as per directions.
• Engage a pest control operator.

The most common cockroaches in Australia are the German and American cockroaches. American cockroaches are large and black. German cockroaches are smaller and brown.

Cockroaches like rats and mice can be vectors of disease and it is important to keep them away from food contact surfaces. To help prevent cockroaches:

• Ensure all food waste is removed and areas are kept clean and free from food waste and rubbish.
• Seal gaps and crevices to prevent entry.
• Inspect warm, dark and damp areas in the home or kitchen.
• Use treatments/pesticides that may be purchased from the supermarket and follow directions.
• Engage a pest control operator.

Most mosquitoes are just a nuisance, however others can spread disease.

Mosquitoes breed in water and thrive in warm and wet conditions.  The best way to prevent mosquito borne diseases is to avoid being bitten.

How to prevent mosquitoes breeding on your property

• Get rid of anything that collects water like unused pots, containers and types.
• Cover or flip over trailers, wheelbarrows and children's outdoor toys to prevent water from collecting.
• Keep swimming pools clean.  Cover them or drain them if not in use.
• Trim back lawns and gardens.
• Keep gutters and drains clear.
• Fit mesh screens to the inlet and outlet pipes of water tanks.
• Change the water in pet bowls and bird baths regularly.

To protect yourself from mosquito bites

• Limit outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear long, loose fitting clothing to cover your skin.
• Use mosquito repellants with picaridin or DEET (diethyltoluamide). Always follow the instructions on the label for safe use.  

Please do not feed the pigeons.

Pigeons thrive in urban areas as there is usually a good food source available, sheltered areas to roost and an absence of predators. As a result, they have become pests in built-up areas.

Feed is one of the main reasons why flocks congregate around urban areas and people feed pigeons believing that their activities are harmless to humans. However, there are many problems associated with large flocks of pigeons. They include:

• Fouling of buildings, eroding stonework and causing costly damage.
• Creating hazardous slippery walkways and pavements.
• Hygiene concerns. Pigeons carry various diseases such as Salmonellosis.
• Attracting rodents to uneaten food fed to pigeons.

Large flocks of pigeons in urban and inner-city areas compete with and deter Australian native birds from the areas. There are also other reasons not to feed pigeons:

• Human food lacks the necessary nutrients the birds require for good health.
• Feeding attracts pigeons into an area that is potentially hazardous to them, resulting in damage to wings and feet.
• Feeding results in all year-round breeding which causes overcrowding in roosting sites, allowing disease to spread quickly within the flock. The birds therefore live in an unhealthy and stressful condition, exposed to parasites and disease which can be passed on to other wild birds.
• Pigeons are wild birds, capable of searching out their own natural food supply. Regular feeding by humans destroys their ability to fend for themselves and makes them dependent on humans.

You can report a European wasp nest on public property to Council.

Should have a wasp nest on private property you should contact a pest control operator. 

You can report a bee's nest on public property to Council.

To remove a bee hive from private property contact a beekeeper or apiarist to safely relocate the hive.  

Bees will rarely sting you unless you provoke their hive or if you accidentally squish or step on one. It can be annoying when a bee is flying around you, but it is likely just sensing your cologne or perfume. Bees are also attracted to brightly coloured clothing.

What time of day are bees most active?

Bees are known for their efficiency and they keep a schedule. You can expect them to become active during the warmer and sunny periods of the day from midmorning to late afternoon. Most flowers will start producing nectar in these timeframes as well.

How do you avoid getting stung by a bee?

1. Wear light-coloured, smooth-finished clothing.
2. Avoid perfumed soaps, shampoos, and deodorants.
3. Wear clean clothing and bathe daily.
4. Wear clothing to cover as much of the body as possible.
5. Avoid flowering plants when possible.
6. Keep work areas clean.