Pest Control
Paper Wasps and European Wasps
Most wasps are Paper Wasps. Paper wasps are larger than a bee with a bright yellow and black (or yellow, orange and black) long, thin body. Paper wasps fly with their back legs hanging down and often hover.
Nests can be easily removed by spraying them thoroughly after dark with household fly spray or surface spray. Don’t approach the nest during daylight hours as wasps can be aggressive at these times. Then after a few minutes, scrape the nest into a plastic bag, tie it up and put in to the rubbish bin. Nests left unremoved will produce more queens to start nests the following spring.
European wasps are rarely seen and may have been eradicated in WA after being found in the Perth Metropolitan area in the 1990’s. They are black and yellow with thick black antennae and hold their legs close to body during flight. They fly very quickly and tend not to hover. Nests are rarely found and are in concealed locations (often underground), If you believe that you have seen a European Wasp or its nest contact the Agricultural Department of WA. Wasps sting repeatedly and it is hazardous to approach the nest. Do not attempt to treat the nest yourself.
Corellas
Corellas are native Australian cockatoos that are mostly white, highly intelligent, and social birds that gather in massive flocks. While they are native, they are often considered major agricultural pests for a few reasons:
- Destructive Chewing: To keep their constantly growing beaks sharp, they chew through everything, including wooden structures, electrical wiring, TV antennas, and sports turf.
- Agricultural Damage: Massive flocks can decimate farming crops in a matter of days.
- Loud Noise: Their screeching can be incredibly loud, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Tree Damage: Their large flock numbers can strip the foliage completely off trees, sometimes causing the trees to die.
How Merredin is Impacted
Over the last two years, the damage caused by flocks of corellas in Merredin has cost more than $50,000 to repair. The birds have been destroying CCTV cameras that keep our public spaces safe and tearing apart the IT and communication systems that rural communities like ours rely on to stay in touch. We’ve tried specifically target hardening and protecting these areas to minimise the destruction, but despite our best efforts, the damage has continued.
We have implemented several non-lethal deterrents, such as the use of gas cannons to displace the birds, reflective devices, movement-activated deterrents, and the application of specialised chemical deterrents to surfaces. All of these measures have failed to provide a long-term solution due to the adaptability of the flocks.
In addition, the overpopulation of corellas in our Shire is having a detrimental effect on our local environment. They are stripping the tree canopy and aggressively taking over nesting holes that belong to our native and endangered Red-Tailed Black Cockatoos, as well as other local parrot species.
In late 2025, we conducted public consultation to better understand flock sizes and locations, allowing us to map their movement patterns and behaviours. This data, combined with the feedback we received from residents, has been instrumental in shaping a management plan that is supported by our community.
Mosquitos
As we head into winter and the wet weather sets in, the Shire team is asking everyone to do a quick backyard check to stop those pesky mozzies. Winter rains mean standing water can sit around for months in our cooler weather. While the Shire of Merredin is already identifying and treating local water bodies, roadside drains, and areas near Merredin Peak and the Railway Dam, we need your help. Taking a few minutes to clear your gutters and tip out backyard pooling now will keep our community bite-free as the season changes.
Mosquitoes only need a teaspoon of warm, stagnant water in which to breed, so you can make the biggest difference by being mindful of keeping an eye on possible breeding sites around your home, business, or workshop:
- Dispose of all containers that hold water;
- TYRES hold water and are the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes…please ensure that they are checked regularly and emptied as required
- Keep ornamental ponds stocked with mosquito-eating fish, eg goldfish;
- Keep margins of ponds and small dams free of vegetation;
- Keep swimming pools well chlorinated and filtered and free of dead leaves.
- Fill or drain depressions in the ground that hold water;
- Vent pipes on septic tank systems must be fitted with mosquito proof cowls;
- Seal all gaps in lid and ensure leach drains are completely covered;
- Screen rainwater tanks with insect proof mesh, including inlet, overflow and inspection ports. Ensure guttering does not hold water;
- Empty pot plant drip trays once a week or fill with sand. Empty and clean animal and pet drinking water once a week;
- Some pot plants (such as bromeliads) hold water in their leaf axils. These should be emptied of water once a week.