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Pest Control

Council's Environmental Health Officer can provide information relevant to pest control please contact the Administration Office.

Mosquitos 

The Shire of York regularly undertakes a Mosquito Spraying Program on Shire owned properties and assets. 

Aside from being a nuisance interfering with leisure time and outdoor activities, mosquitoes can be a serious pest and be vectors of disease. Many mosquito species in WA transmit disease-carrying viruses or parasites. Two of the most common mosquito-borne diseases in WA are Ross River Virus and Barmah Forest Virus. There is no cure for mosquito-borne diseases with the only way to prevent contracting a disease is to avoid being bitten.

Stop mosquitoes from breeding around your home by following these simple steps:

  • Empty out or discard containers and rubbish that may hold water
  • Clean out roof gutters to prevent water pooling
  • Empty, clean and refill bird baths, stock trough and pet water bowls at least once a week
  • Keep swimming pools and outdoor spas properly maintained and free of debris
  • Empty wading pools at the end of each day
  • Stock backyard ponds with fish to eat mosquito larvae
  • Cover rainwater and septic tank openings, wells or other large water containers with mosquito-proof mesh
  • Keep edges of ponds clear of vegetation

Mosquito-borne disease

Ross River virus is a common mosquito-borne disease.  The peak time for this disease transmission is generally between September and January, however protection from mosquito bites is an important measure year round. Common symptoms include painful or swollen joints, sore muscles, skin rashes, fever and tiredness. Other symptoms may also occur. The only way to confirm if you have a mosquito-borne disease is to visit a medical professional for a specific blood test.

You should take every precaution to avoid mosquito bites. The only way to prevent infection is to avoid being bitten.

Rodents

Rodents are classified as vectors of disease as they can transmit serious diseases to humans. There are measures that can be taken in order to minimise the harborage of rodents on your property:

  • Store firewood away from the sides of sheds and fences and keep well clear off the ground.
  • Regularly remove or limit garden waste or other disused materials from around your property.
  • Remove fruit or nuts from trees or vines at the end of the season. Be sure to pick up rotting fruit that may have dropped onto the ground.
  • Block all holes and other potential access points into the house or shed.
  • Maintain rubbish and compost bins in good repair with secure lids.

Property owners and occupiers are required under the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1911 to prevent rodents harbouring on their property. 

European Wasps

European wasps are declared pests under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007. They have been known to attack bee hives, damage fruit crops and inflict serious and life threatening stings. European wasps are more aggressive and attracted to human activities than any other wasps as they are attracted to meat products such as barbeques and pet food. European wasps can be confused by the Paper wasps and therefore DAFWA has developed a comparison guide to help you to identify the European wasp.   Sighting of European wasps should be reported to DAFWA’s Pest and Disease Information Service on 1800 084 881.

Flies

Flies can be a serious nuisance for both animals and livestock. Besides being a nuisance, flies can also carry bacteria which can cause food poisoning and other diseases. Residents can prevent flies breeding on their properties by implementing the following:

  • Ensure your receptacles are clean and closed at all times.
  • Wrap food scraps tightly and place them in the receptacle immediately.
  • Rake out lawn clippings thinly.
  • Dig manures and fertilisers into the soil.
  • Keep poultry and pet areas clean at all times.

Stable Fly 

Stable fly is a declared pest in Western Australia and can be a serious pest for livestock around animal enclosures, stables, feedlots and paddocks and pastures. Stable fly or biting fly are closely associated with humans and their activities with cattle and horses being the most affected by Stable flies.  This fly is very heat tolerant and is present in large numbers from late spring through to late autumn throughout many areas of south-western Australia.