Pests and Vermin
Environmental Health Officers can provide advice on the identification and possible control of vermin around the home. Where it can be shown that the source of the vermin is the keeping of poultry or birds, action can be taken under the Local Government Act to control the source of the infestation. If it can be shown that the source is perhaps the condition of a property, then action can be taken under the Public and Environmental Health Act.
Contact the Environmental Health Officer on 8391 7200.
European Wasps
Council provides a wasp nest eradication program to all residential property owners. Location of nests can be reported to Council on 8391 7200 for a contractor to attend and eradicate. Co-contribution payments of $50 is required.
Fire Ants
For further information on Fire Ants ring the SARDI Call Centre on 1300 666 010 or go to:
> SARDI's website – urban pests
Fruit Flies
Fruit flies are the world's worst fruit pest. They appear on nearly every continent and millions of dollars are spent annually on their control and eradication.
South Australia is the only mainland state free of fruit flies. Outbreaks can only occur if travellers carry infested fruit and vegetables across our borders from other States or if infested commercial consignments are introduced. The movement of produce into South Australia is restricted to commercial shipments that are certified free of fruit fly.
Our fruit fly awareness program focuses on community participation. We urge residents and visitors to the state not to bring fruit and vegetables across state borders into South Australia and to report all maggots found in produce to the Fruit Fly Hotline 1300 666 010.
For further information on fruit flies go to:
> PIRSA website
Rats
Council provides a free annual baiting program for residential (not commercial) property owners. Subsequent baiting is at the expense of the residents/property owners.
Residents experiencing a rat issue at the their property can contact customer service on 8391 7200 to make arrangements for pest technicians to attend and bait appropriately.
Mice
Council does not provide pest control services to commercial or residential properties with a mice issue. If you are experiencing issues with mice please contact a pest control service or implement self-monitored pest control measures to deal with the infestation.
Vermin
Environmental Health Officers will investigate complaints relating to vermin and take action on a case by case basis. Complaints often stem from underlying issues such as “unsightly premises”. People have a responsibility to reduce potential vermin harborage material and attractants such as perishable rubbish, unmaintained chicken yards etc.
Rabbits
Council, in partnership with Landscape SA, Council is undertaking a coordinated rabbit control program to manage this issue, which involves reducing rabbit numbers through targeted interventions.
Our strategy centres on the use of the rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), commonly referred to as calicivirus. This biological control agent is transmitted by flies and direct contact among rabbits and is chosen for its efficacy while posing no threat to humans, other domestic pets, or native wildlife.
Calicivirus Release Timing: Extensive research informs us that the optimal time for calicivirus release is during the summer and autumn months. This decision is strategic, aiming to minimize contact with young rabbits (most prevalent in spring), which may develop immunity to the virus. Additionally, during the high growth periods, such as spring, rabbits often have more diverse food sources and may not necessarily consume the treated carrots.
For further information on the Rabbit Biological Control initiative visit https://pir.sa.gov.au/biosecurity/introduced-pest-feral-animals/find_a_pest_animal/rabbits/rabbit_biological_controls