Please note that Council only destroys European wasp nests, not native wasps such as Paper wasps and Mud wasps. If you are unsure of the type of wasp or nest the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) website has comprehensive identification information that may assist.

Please report suspected nests to Council and not to WA DPIRD.

The European wasp is an introduced pest to Australia, our mild climate has allowed it to survive and flourish. Control of their numbers is important to ensure they do not impact unfavourably on our lifestyle and environment. These pests are often attracted to our picnics, bbqs and other outdoor activities. Unfortunately, they enjoy the same types of food that we do, such as meat and sweet foods. Do not aggravate the wasp as it may sting and unlike a bee the European wasp can sting multiple times. If left undisturbed, however, the wasp is not aggressive to humans or animals.

Having wasps around on a regular basis indicates that there is a nest nearby. It is important that the nest be located and destroyed. If you find a nest site, it is very important not to disturb it - disturbing the nest may result in repeated stings. If a European wasp nest is found request European wasp nest destruction online or call the Council's Customer Service Centre and we will arrange our pest contractor to destroy the nest free of charge.

Bees provide a number of benefits to our lives and to the world in which we live. Our world would be a much different place if bees didn’t exist. We rely on bees to help our food grow, crops thrive and produce fruit, vegetables, flowers, nuts, seeds, beans, and much more. Bees play an important role in the life cycle of most plants and flowers and as humans we also eat their honey and use their wax.

Bees become active in spring during the months of September, October and November and they begin to swarm as the queen seeks out new locations to set up a hive. As Council acknowledges the many benefits bees have on our environment, we have implemented a bee removal service for Council owned properties and residential properties only. In the first instance, bee hives will be collected and relocated so that we can continue receiving the many benefits that bees provide. However, in circumstances where bee hives are unable to be collected and relocated bee hives will require destruction.

When they first appear as a swarm they may just be passing through, consequently we ask that contact be made only after the bees have been established for at least 48 hours. However, if the swarm is in a hazardous location where members of the public are at risk, in circumstances where possible, we will arrange for the collection and relocation of the bee hive.  

Where the pest controller determines that the hive/swarm can be safely and effectively removed and relocated, more than one visit to the affected property may be required.

Please submit a request online or call our Customer Service Centre on  (08) 8405 6600.

Mosquitoes by their nature are disease vectors and can transmit diseases such as malaria, ross river virus and dengue fever; luckily the chance of this occurring within South Australia is extremely low, unluckily they are still an abundant urban pest in South Australia in the right prevailing weather conditions.

Within the Adelaide metropolitan area mosquitoes are primarily a biting nuisance pest that can detract from the enjoyment of outdoor activities around the community, generally from October to April each year.

Mosquitoes tend to breed locally in shallow and stagnant water sources and can travel upwards of 5km in the right wind conditions from their breeding location once they reach maturity.

Council has a control program in place that regularly treats known breeding locations that it has control over, however sporadic breeding from local sources around peoples’ homes and businesses can also contribute significantly to the overall population.

If you are having problems with mosquitoes in your area please first assess whether or not you may be contributing to sporadic breeding from items stored around your home or business.

Unfortunately in times of high activity personal protection and deterrents around the home and business may be the only solution until the adult population subsides.

Please read over the information sheets provided below to assist you in identifying possible breeding locations around the home and business, along with personal protective measures you can take to fight the bite.

If you are still having severe ongoing problems and would like Council to investigate a possible breeding location please contact Customer Relations on (080 8405 6600.

Fight the Bite(PDF, 576.08 KB)
Information Handout(PDF, 359.98 KB)

While rats are introduced and a common pest, they have become an innate part of the environment.  You can take steps to minimise or avoid rats and mice on your property by:

• Denying the rodents food by picking up fallen fruit, vegetables and nuts from trees
• Ensuring that compost heaps are fully enclosed
• Keeping poultry enclosures and avaries clear of waste products and clean regularly
• Keeping poultry and animal food in containers with tight fitted lids
• Using traps and rat baits
• Not composting meat scraps
• Washing pet food bowls after your pets have finished eating
• Communicate with your neighbours, are they having problems too? Perhaps a collaborative approach is needed.

For further information please refer to our Rat Prevention and Control Factsheet (PDF, 397.24 KB) or via the SA Health website.

Council can only enforce corrective action, such as a clean-up, if there is evidence of an actual infestation or a real risk of infestation.  The premises in question must be in such a condition that it is or has the potential to cause harm to public health.

Please refer to the SA Health website for the most up to date information on the prevention and control of mice.

Snakes are most active during Summer and Spring with the eastern brown snake being the most common in residential areas.

If you encounter a snake outdoors on private or public land do not attempt to touch or capture it. Keep children and pets away to avoid being bitten.

To minimise the risk of snakes:

• clean up rubbish around the home
• keep gardens tidy
• take steps to reduce mice and rats
• check boots before putting them on if left outdoors
• never put your hand somewhere that can't be seen.

Under the Parks & Wildlife Act, snakes are protected species and must only be handled by a trained and licensed snake catcher.

Look under snake on the Yellow Pages website for removal services near you.

If a snake is observed on Council land, please contact Customer Relations on (08) 8405 6600.

In the Council area, uncontrolled pigeon flocks have become a health and safety issue for the export grain industry. Building owners and community members also complain about the mess and destruction these birds create. More information about identification and management is available in our Feral pigeon information sheet (PDF, 206.19 KB)

Magpies usually breed between August and October and, as a result, can often swoop in public places to protect their nests.

Magpies are known to congregate in numerous parks and gardens across our City and we encourage you to be mindful of them, especially during the breeding season.

The best way to avoid a swooping magpie is to change your route and try to travel in groups; magpies usually swoop on individual targets.

More information can be found on the Department for Environment and Water website.

There is also a magpie alert map where you can upload and search for swooping magpie locations across Australia.