Pest Animals
Insects and Rodents
Insects and bugs are a vital part of the cycle of life. They also can become a pest if invading in numbers, doing damage to property or placing people at risk.
Please click on the links below for more information:
Insects and Bugs on Private Property
If the insects or bugs are on private property it is the owners/occupiers responsibility to remove or eradicate the pest or insects. The services of a private pest controller may be sought to assist in the removal of these species.
Tips
To help control insects and bugs we suggest you:
- arrange for a pest controller to regularly apply surface treatments to all entry points and windows
- ensure you have fly screens and make sure they are well maintained
- ensure external doors and windows are well sealed.
Identification
If you need help identifying an insect or bug, you can click on the links on this page or contact the Museum of Victoria.
Wasps
European Wasps nest in the ground and in areas such as rockeries, rubbish heaps and at the base of trees and shrubs, as well as sheltered areas around buildings including roofs, walls and under the eaves. Nests are usually light grey and made from a cardboard like material . Nests are football sized or larger and usually have two to five centimetre wide entrance.
Wasp nests on Council land
If you find a wasp nest on Council land you can report it to us by calling us on 1300 368 333, emailing us or visit any Community Links.
To help us arrange for immediate removal of the nest please be as specific about the location as possible, as we can't respond to reports of wasps in general areas. It is helpful if you include the following information in your report:
- your name, address and phone number
- the exact location of the nest e.g. on the nature strip, near the driveway of number 13
- a Melways reference if you have it.
If you are able to put marker such as a ribbon on stick near the nest, without putting yourself in danger, this is also useful in identifying the nest.
We refer all reports of wasp nests to our pest controller on the same day we receive them and the nests are generally destroyed within two working days.
What do I do if there is a wasp nest on my property?
If you think you may have a wasp nest on your property use our guide to locate it.
How to locate a wasp nest
Once you have located the nest the most effective way to control the problem is to destroy the nest as wasps breed at a rapid rate.
European wasps will act aggressively to protect their nest, so if you are going destroy the nest yourself remember to be careful and take precautions. If you are allergic or think you may be allergic to wasp, ant or bee stings or if you have any doubts about destroying the nest contact a pest exterminator.
For more information contact us on 1300 368 333 or email