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.
Crows (Australian Ravens)
Crows or Australian Ravens as they are more correctly known can become a nuisance in and around built up areas. As native birds crows are a protected species and the Shire can not assist by baiting or culling crows. As scavengers and meat eaters they often seek out rubbish bins, pet bowls and dead animals as food sources. You can minimize nuisance crows around your home by making sure food sources are not accessible.
If envelopes are being pulled out of your letterbox, try putting margarine then pepper on an object such as a blank envelope and leave this protruding from your mailbox for several days. This should discourage this nuisance.
You can contact the Duty Officer at the Department of Environment and Conservation on 9041 2488 for further information.