Pest Control
There are certain animals and insects which can be classified as pests. Council does not always remove the animal but can supply you with all the information to help you remove the pest yourself.
If you have any questions which aren't answered below, please contact Council’s Community Safety Department on 8375 6600.
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Bees
Bees on private property
Council does not provide a bee removal service. Please refer to the Yellow Pages or other resources to locate the contact details of apiarists who will remove bees for a fee.
Bees on council property
Council gives a high priority to the removal of bees from council property as they may constitute a safety hazard. Contact council with details of the location of the bees and council officers will organise removal.
Bees near Telstra pits
When bees are swarming near Telstra pits, please call Telstra on 13 22 03 for assistance.
Bee keeping/Bee hives
Under council by-laws there is nothing to say that bees/hives can not be kept by residents. However under Section 254 of the Local Government Act, councils have the power to issue an order in regard to "animals that may cause a nuisance or hazard". This can include keeping bees in close proximity to other properties.
Bees on SA Water property
If the bees are on SA Water lands or in a SA water pit, then council cannot assist. Please contact SA Water directly on 1300 650 950.
European Wasps
What can council do regarding European Wasps?
Where a European Wasp nest is found on council land, please contact the Customer Service Centre on 8375 6600 and a staff member will attend. We will need the exact location of the nest as it is not possible to confirm the nest location from the sighting of a few airborne wasps.
Where the wasp nest is on private land, please contact the European Wasp Hotline which is a free service where the City of Marion, in conjunction with a number of other metropolitan councils, has contracted a private company to eradicate European Wasp nests.
European Wasp Hotline
Phone: 1800 150 080 or 08 8344 8181
Monday to Friday = 6.00am - 6.00pm
Saturday = 8.00am - 4.00pm
Sunday = 11.00am - 3.00pm
In an emergency, a message can be left on the hotline's message machine.
Please note: the 1800 number can not be called from a mobile telephone.
Hotline staff will require the exact location of the wasp nest and will attempt during the call to identify the insects as they may be Australian wasps or bees and thus relatively harmless.
If the insects appear to be European Wasps or the staff member is unsure, a staff member will visit the location and, if European Wasps are confirmed, will arrange for the destruction of the nest within 24 hours (Monday - Friday).
Please note: that hotline staff will only visit if a nest or suspected nest has been specifically located.
Foxes
Private contractors are available to eradicate foxes within the metropolitan area where the actual location of the den is known. Please contact your local contractor.
Fruit Fly
Any enquiries regarding Fruit Fly should be directed to the Fruit Fly hotline on 1300 666 010 or visit the Department of Primary Industries and Resources of South Australia website (PIRSA) for more information.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes breed in calm, still water mainly during the summer months. Common breeding sites include:
- Unused or stagnant swimming pools
- Rainwater tanks
Council has comprehensive information about mosquito activity, breeding sites and protection from mosquito bites. Concerns about mosquitoes can be referred to council's Environmental Health Unit.
Possums
It is illegal to handle or interfere with any native animal including possums without a permit.
How do I get a permit?
Residents can obtain Possum Permits and information from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources website. For further information, contact them on 8204 1910 or visit the website listed above.
I don't want to get a permit - what can I do?
If you do not want to hire a cage, look in the Yellow Pages under Pest Control.
I have a permit - where can I hire a cage?
Once a permit has been obtained, cages can be hired from:
RSPCA
25 Meyer Road, Lonsdale
Phone: 8382 0888
A $50.00 refundable deposit in addition to a fee of $2.50 per day.
Hours of Business
Monday to Friday = 10.00am - 5.00pm
Saturday to Sunday = 10.00am - 2.00pm
Please note: National Parks and Wildlife DO NOT have possum cages.
Tips on dealing with possums and if a possum is hurt
If the possum is hurt, Fauna Rescue of South Australia may be able to assist the resident. To view their website, which includes tips on dealing with possums, visit Fauna Rescue of South Australia website.
Rats
Council will investigate concerns that untidy yards (including tall grass) are providing food and shelter for rats.
It is a legal requirement that owners and occupiers of premises prevent rats from living and breeding on their property.
If the presence of rats is confirmed, council will advise the owner/occupier of the correct baiting and eradication procedures.
Rat indicators
Rats are only seen during the day if they are very hungry or present in large numbers. Commonly, the presence of rats is indicated by:
- Droppings (12mm to 18mm long).
- Debris left in dark corners (e.g. almond shells, chop bones, etc.).
- Partially eaten fruit and vegetables.
- Greasy rub marks.
- Burrow holes around buildings.
- Pets being more excitable than usual.
- Squeaking, gnawing or movement noises in the walls, cupboards, ceiling or under-floor areas.
Rat control
Chemical baits are the most effective way of destroying rats and they are available at hardware stores and supermarkets. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take special care if using baits around animals or children. The old-fashioned spring 'back break' trap is also effective.
Prevention
To prevent rats from living and breeding in your yard, deny rats food and shelter by:
- Storing firewood away from sheds or fences and at least 40cm above the ground.
- Keep the shed and yard clear of junk piles.
- Removing all fruit and nuts from trees and vines at the end of the season.
- Identifying and blocking all potential entry points to buildings such as pipes and service entries.
- Ensuring pet food dishes and bulk supplies stored in a manner that makes them inaccessible by rats.
- Ensuring rubbish and compost bins prevent rats access. Never compost meat.
- Maintaining a tidy yard.
For more information a Rats Brochure
(262 kb) is available.
Snakes
All native snakes are protected species.
Snakes can be removed from your property but not harmed or destroyed. Private contractors are available to remove snakes (fees apply) from private property, please check your Yellow Pages.
Where the snake is on council land, please contact the Customer Service Centre on 8375 6600.
