Pests

Pest Complaints
It is a normal part of life to experience a small number of pests around the home. When the population of a pest species increases significantly it can become a nuisance and possibly a health issue. Many of these pests can be dealt with by the householders following some simple steps. Information and control options for some of these pests can be found below.

If you have attempted to reduce the pest population around your home but feel that the pests are coming from a neighbouring property, please first discuss the problem with your neighbour. If you are unable to resolve the issue, please complete and return a Health Investigation Request Form and the Shire’s Health Service will conduct an investigation.

Health Investigation Request Form

Bees
Most bee swarms occur during Spring as they hunt for a new nesting site. The swarm itself usually lasts only a day or two. Honey bees are generally quite docile and will not normally sting unless provoked.

If you are having a problem with a nest located on Shire land, please contact our Parks and Gardens Department for removal. If the nest is on private property please contact a pest controller. For more information please refer to the Honey Bee Swarms & Nests Information Sheet produced by the Department of Agriculture.

Honey Bee Swarms & Nests

European House Borer
Please refer to the European House Borer Information Sheet for information regarding this pest species. If you any queries regarding European House Borer or have a suspected infestation please contact the European House Borer Hotline on 1800 084 881. 

European House Borer

European & Paper Wasps
European wasps are commonly confused with the common paper wasp; however there are several distinctive features which can be used to separate them. If you believe you have a European Wasp problem, please use the Identification Guide below to help you in determining which species you have found.

European Wasp Identification Guide

If you have identified a European Wasp infestation please Contact the Department of Agriculture for removal.

A paper wasp nest can be removed by the householder using a good quality insect spray to douse the nest, after the sun has set, as this is when the wasps are least active. If you are not comfortable removing the nest yourself please contact a pest control operator for assistance.

Flies
Fly breeding can be prevented by keeping compost heaps covered, avoiding the build up of manure in chicken runs and ensuring that garbage bins are kept closed.  When placing manure on the garden it should be dug in to a depth of about 150mm to prevent it providing a breeding site for flies. Please refer to the pamphlet below for more information.

Compost, Manure & Flies

Mosquitos
Mosquito bites can be irritating and painful, particularly to infants and sensitive people. Some species also pose a health risk as they are able to transmit infections such as Ross River and Barmah Forest Virus. For these reasons it is important that we work together to help reduce mosquito breeding in the Shire of Kalamunda.

The Shire’s Health Services conducts monitoring and treatment programs to help reduce mosquito numbers, but we also need your help to stop breeding around the home. Mosquitoes can’t breed without water so ensuring your backyard does not contain potential breeding sites will help reduce numbers.

Methods to reduce mosquito numbers include; draining pools, emptying containers in the garden (eg pot plant bases, tyres), applying oil such as paraffin oil or kerosene to the surface or putting fish in a pond to reduce larvae numbers. For more information please refer to the Mosquito Control Information Sheet.

Mosquito Control
Ross River & Barmah Forest Virus in WA

Portuguese Millipedes
Portuguese millipedes are native to southwest Europe and have been found in the hills area since the late 1980’s. They feed on decaying plant matter and, although they do not pose a risk to public health, their numbers can cause a nuisance to residents. Portuguese millipedes are most abundant when the first rains occur during autumn and early winter. They are attracted to light, so avoid having house lights left on overnight. Please refer to the Department of Agriculture GardenNote on Portuguese Millipedes for information and control options.

Portuguese Millipedes

Rats
Rats are one of the most resilient and destructive pests in the world. They not only are responsible for the transmission of serious diseases but can also result in major damage to buildings and other structures. 

Owners and occupiers of premises are required to prevent harbourage of rats and secure their destruction.  Rats can be discouraged and controlled by denying them food and shelter. Please see the attached pamphlet for more details and control measures.

Facts on Rats

Other Pests
Below is a list of Information Sheets for other domestic pests. If you are experiencing a problem with pests and would like us to investigate, please complete and return a Health Investigation Request Form.

Cockroaches
Fleas
Food Storage Pests
Head Lice Fact Sheet
Pigeons