Pest control

If you are having issues with pests such as European wasps, rodents or mosquitoes, there are ways to discourage their presence and manage the problem. 

Are they Bees or European Wasps?

It is important to distinguish between bees and European wasps. Wasps are a pest and harmful to the environment, and bees are needed to help our environment.  If bees are not causing a nuisance they should be left alone.

European Wasps

Bees

Description

Approximately 15-25 mm in length. They have bright yellow and black stripes on their back half with black dots between the stripes, down each side of the abdomen. They have bright yellow legs and, thicker and longer antennae than bees.

Approximately 15 mm in length. They are a dull shade of yellow or a golden brown in colour and have black stripes around their body. They have black legs and an overall softer look to their shape.

Nest

Can nest in walls, ceiling and tree cavities however the most likely place to find a European wasp nest is in the ground.

Often nest in tree or wall cavities and can nest in compost bins.

Activity

Nests are easily sighted by the constant activity going to and from the nest and particularly just above the nest. The entrance to the nest may be well hidden.

Are generally not aggressive and will go about their day to day activities unless they feel threatened.

If you find a nest or hive in Maroondah, then the following applies:

  • On your own land: You can either treat the nest/hive yourself, or engage the services of a professional pest control company. If treating nest/hive yourself we advise extreme caution. Do not try this if you are allergic to wasps/bees.
  • On your neighbour's land: We recommend you first speak to the owner of the property and direct them to this page for information.

    This is usually the most effective way to resolve the situation.

     If the property owner doesn't organise to remove the wasps/bees, you can contact Council's Community Health Services on 1300 88 22 33.
  • On Council's land: If the nest/hive is on the nature strip or in a park, call Council on 1300 88 22 33 for assistance.
  • For nests/hive located in or on power poles please contact SP Ausnet on 13 17 99.
  • For wasp nests located in Telstra pits 13 22 03. 

Further Information on bees or wasps

Rodents

Rats and mice are usually found where people live. Rodents are usually a communal problem, nesting on one property and travel through other properties to get food or water. Working with your neighbours is the best way to resolve rodent issues.

How to deter or remove rodents

Prevent pests by inspecting the outside of your home:

  • Pest proof your home by sealing gaps and holes under eaves, roof tiles and in external walls — mice can squeeze through the smallest of gaps.
  • Keep trees and vines away from your house.
  • Store firewood away from the sides of sheds and fences, and keep it off the ground.

Reduce food supply:

  • Don't provide a source of food/water inside or outside your home.
  • Don't compost meat scraps or large amounts of food.
  • Ensure there is no leftover food/seed when feeding animals/birds.
  • Remove fruit and nuts from trees or vines at the end of the season.

Reduce pest movement:

  • Keeping your garden well maintained and the grass mowed to reduce places for rodents to pass through or live on your property.
  • Trim back tree branches over hanging the fence line.

Pest control:

  • Baiting is the most effective way of dealing with rats and mice.
  • Being creatures of habit, rats and mice travel the same routes to food sources, which can assist you in knowing where to remove any food and where to put baits or traps.
  • Use chemical baits in your roof, but avoid using baits in open areas or under the house where pets or native animals can find them.

If you need further assistance to remove rodent from your property, we recommend you contact a licensed pest controller.

Whose responsibility?

If you are having problems with rodents, then the following applies: 

  • On your own land: You can either treat the problem yourself, or engage the services of a professional pest control company.
  • On your neighbour's land: If you notice rodents coming from a neighbouring property, and there are places for rodents to live on the property (for example, piled rubbish or overgrown grass), we recommend you first speak to the owner of the property and direct them to this page for information.
    This is usually the most effective way to resolve the situation. The Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria has some good advice on how to approach your neighbour.
    If the property owner doesn't take any measures to reduce/treat the problem, you can contact Council's Community Health Services on 1300 88 22 33.
  • On Council's land: If the rodents are on Council land, contact Council's Community Health Services on 1300 88 22 33. Please note Council does not bait park lands or drains due the risk of harming Australian Native Animals.

Further information

For more information on rodents VicHealth.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes can carry serious disease which are transmitted throughout Australia by these insects, including Ross River Virus, Japanese Encephalitis and Dengue fever. In addition to transmitting disease, mosquitoes can cause major disruptions to occupational, recreational and social activities through their persistent biting.

The Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2019 detail obligations of a property owner/s or occupier/s, in relation to managing mosquitoes.

  • A property owner or occupier must take reasonable steps to control any mosquito breeding ground on the premises or property.
  • Decrease or remove any conditions on the property that may contribute to the establishment of a mosquito breeding ground.

An example of this is water collecting on the ground which may contribute to establishment of a mosquito breeding ground.

Stop mosquitoes breeding around your home

Mosquitoes breed in still water. Here are some simple ways you can reduce mosquito numbers on your property:

  • Dispose of all tins, tyres and other rubbish containers that may hold water.
  • Put sand around bases of pot plants to absorb excess water in the dish.
  • Keep swimming pools chlorinated, salted or empty them completely when not in use for considerable periods (Empty children’s wading pools regularly).
  • Empty bird baths and pets’ drinking water at least once a week.
  • Keep fishponds stocked with fish.
  • Remove weeds and grass from drains to enable them to drain freely.
  • Keep roof guttering in good repair and regularly remove leaves and debris so that pools of water do not form.
  • Keep lawns and gardens well maintained so that you are not providing shelter for adult mosquitoes.

Treating the problem

  • On your own land: You can either treat the problem yourself or engage the services of a professional pest control company.
  • On your neighbour's land: If you observed excessive mosquito activity from a stagnant water source on a neighbouring private property, we recommend you first speak to the owner of the property and direct them to this page for information.
    This is usually the most effective way to resolve the situation. The Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria has some good advice on how to approach your neighbour.
    If the property owner doesn't organise to reduce and prevent mosquito breeding you can contact Council's Community Health Services on 1300 88 22 33.
  • On Council's land: Mosquito breeding on Council land can be reported on 1300 88 22 33.

Further Information on mosquitoes

 

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