Pests and vermin

The common house fly breeds in food scraps, uncovered waste, pet waste and organic materials. They can spread bacteria and quickly multiply in hot weather.

Blowflies are larger, metallic blue or green flies often seen around bins, compost and decaying material. They are attracted to strong smells and warm weather.

You can reduce household flies and blowflies by keeping outdoor areas clean and removing things that attract them. Simple steps include:

• Keep rubbish and compost bins clean, closed and fitted with tight lids

• Wrap food scraps securely before placing them in the bin

• Clean barbecues after use to remove grease and food residue

• Remove uneaten pet food and keep animal areas clean and free of waste

• Compost lawn clippings rather than leaving them in piles

• Spread manure thinly in the garden and dig it in straight away.

Fly traps can also help reduce numbers. Once a few flies are caught, more are attracted. Traps are available from hardware stores, or you can make your own using simple household items.

March flies are biting flies typically found in bushland, rural areas and around wetlands. They are most active during hot, humid weather and can be attracted to dark clothing and movement.

Wearing lighter clothing and using repellents can help reduce bites during outdoor activities.

For more information refer to the Department of Health page on March Flies.

Stable fly is a biting pest that affects people, pets and livestock. It breeds in moist, decomposing organic material such as manure and vegetable waste.

For more information visit the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s page on Stable Fly.

Head lice live on the scalp and spread through direct head-to-head contact. They are common in children and require treatment to remove.

For diagnosis and management advice, visit the WA Department of Health’s page on head lice.

Polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB) is an invasive beetle that affects many tree species. A Quarantine Area currently applies across the Perth metropolitan region.

For more information, visit the City’s page on Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer.

Portuguese millipedes are smooth, dark-coloured millipedes that often move indoors during warmer, wetter periods. While harmless, they can become a nuisance.

For more information, visit the Department of Primary Industries and Region Development pest fact sheets.

Rats can cause property damage and may carry disease. They are attracted to food scraps, waste, pet food and overgrown vegetation.

For more information visit the WA Department of Health’s page on rats and mice.

Midge belong to the insect family Chironomidae, and are an environmental problem associated with urban wetlands in Perth. Wetlands, such as Lake Joondalup, usually have high nutrient levels. Nutrients come from a number of sources including septic tank leachate, fertilisers and detergents.

The high availability of nutrients fuels the growth of algae which often form blooms in spring and summer and subsequently go on to provide a rich food source for larval midges. At the same time, their natural predators decrease in numbers because many predatory species rely on sight and dense algal blooms limit visibility.

Midge monitoring and research at Lake Joondalup

Adult midge are usually found in higher numbers in the warmer months, causing a nuisance to the local community. The cities of Wanneroo and Joondalup in conjunction with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and Edith Cowan University (ECU) monitor midge at Lake Joondalup and are working to reduce numbers in an ecologically sustainable manner, without the use of chemicals.

As the research being carried out by ECU investigates long term solutions, there are times when short term solutions such as applying a chemical pesticide may be utilised as a last resort to reduce numbers.

The decision to treat must be evidence based to verify the severity of the nuisance and eliminate subjective influences. The cities of Wanneroo and Joondalup are limited to no more than two treatments per season (one treatment contains two applications of chemical).

Tips for residents

Midge are often a nuisance in residential areas near wetlands because they are strongly attracted to lights. Residents can help reduce midge in and around their homes by taking the following steps:

• Reduce the amount of outside lighting around the house, particularly around doorways.
• Wash cars on the front lawn rather than the driveway or street.
• Use slow-release fertilisers on lawns and gardens and prevent any fertiliser spilling onto the road.
• Dispose of household waste appropriately, not down stormwater drains.
• Connect domestic wastewater plumbing systems onto the main sewer.
• Decommission unused septic tank and effluent disposal systems. (Please contact the City's Environmental Health Officers regarding any proposed septic tank and effluent disposal decommissioning.)
• Ensure matter likely to leach nutrients into the soil is removed, for example, pick up and dispose of animal faeces appropriately.
• Place sticky midge traps around the outside of the home.
• Use an insect zapper (Please take care to clean and maintain the zapper in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.).

Mosquitoes can be a serious nuisance during warmer months because they generally breed in higher numbers.

Occasionally, mosquitoes spread disease-causing viruses such as Ross River, Barmah Forest and Murray Valley encephalitis virus. People travelling interstate and overseas can also be exposed to other mosquito diseases not found in WA, such as Dengue fever. This is why it is important for you to avoid mosquito bites at all times.

Follow these simple tips to help you and your family avoid mosquito bites:

• Avoid outdoor exposure to mosquitoes from dusk and the first few hours after dark.
• Wear protective (long, loose-fitting) clothing when outdoors.
• Use a personal repellent containing diethyl toluamide (DEET) or Picaridin. The most effective and long-lasting formulations are lotions or gels. Most natural or organic repellents are not as effective as DEET or Picaridin.
• Install insect screens on doors and windows of homes, and on enclosed outdoor recreation areas.
• Use mosquito nets and mosquito-proof tents if camping/living outdoors.
• Ensure infants and children are adequately protected, preferably with suitable clothing and bed nets.

For more information, visit the WA Department of Health page on mosquitoes.