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Pest control

Bees

Bees on private property

Council does not provide a bee removal service, it is the resident's responsibility to manage bees that form a hive and cause a nuisance.

Hives may be removed by an apiarist or by a pest controller.

Please refer to the Yellow Pages or other resources to select a provider who will provide this service for a fee.

More information on bees can be found on the SA Department for Environment and Water’s website - https://www.environment.sa.gov.au

Bees on Council property

Council gives a high priority to the removal of bees from Council property as they may constitute a safety hazard.

Swarming bees are not removed unless they have settled for at least 48 hours and started to form a hive.

To report a bee hive that is causing a nuisance or a public health and safety risk, please Contact Council with details of the location of the bees and Council officers will organise removal.

Every attempt will be made to relocate the bees without destroying them. However, as a last resort, destruction may be the only option.

Bees near Telstra pits

When bees are swarming near Telstra pits, please call Telstra on 13 22 03 for assistance.

Bees on SA Water property

If the bees are on SA Water lands or in a SA Water pit, then Council cannot assist. Please contact SA Water directly on 1300 650 950.

European Wasps

European wasps on private property

Council does not provide a European Wasp removal service. Please refer to the Yellow Pages or other resources to locate the contact details of a pest removalist who will remove wasps for a fee.

European wasps on Council property

Where a European Wasp nest is found on Council land, please contact the Customer Service Centre on 8375 6600 and a staff member will attend. We will need the exact location of the nest as it is not possible to confirm the nest location from the sighting of a few airborne wasps.

Foxes

Foxes are now considered established in the landscape and eradication programs are not always effective.

There are some fox control programs throughout Adelaide that are usually targeted at key sites to protect threatened species.

Council is responsible for the control of foxes on Council owned land under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019. The City of Marion’s Biodiversity and Open Space teams contain pest and plant control officers who are delegated to implement fox control programs throughout City of Marion sites.

Landowners are responsible for the control of foxes on their properties under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019.

  • It is illegal to keep a fox as a pet or for rescue in South Australia.
  • It is also illegal to move or release a fox in South Australia.

Where a resident experiences problem foxes entering private land, they can contact Landscape SA which may be able to assist them with eradication measures such as baiting or cage trapping.

For more information visit: landscape.sa.gov.au

Reporting feral foxes

FoxScan provides a tool for reporting of foxes, management activities undertaken and photos of the impacts of foxes. This information is used to identify practical solutions to fox problems. More information about fox control can be found at:

Private contractors are available to eradicate foxes where the actual location of the den is known.

For more information: pir.sa.gov.au/biosecurity/introduced-pest-feral-animals/find_a_pest_animal/foxes

Fruit Fly

Any enquiries regarding Fruit Fly or to report Fruit Fly activity, contact the Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) Fruit Fly hotline on 1300 666 010 for more information.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes breed in calm, still water mainly during the summer months. Common breeding sites include:

  • Unused or stagnant swimming pools
  • Rainwater tanks

Council has information about mosquito activity, breeding sites and protection from mosquito bites. Concerns about mosquitoes can be referred to the Community Health and Safety Unit's Environmental Health Officers on 8375 6600 or via email council@marion.sa.gov.au.

  • For more details view the Mosquito Control Information Sheet below.

Possums

It is illegal to handle or interfere with any native animal including possums without a permit.

If you accidentally trap a possum, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources advise that the possum must be released within 50 meters of where it was caught so it can stay in its own natural environment For more information contact the Department of Environment & Natural Resources on 8204 1910.

How do I get a permit?

Residents can obtain Possum Permits and information from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources website. For further information, contact them on 8204 1910 or visit the website listed above.

I don't want to get a permit - what can I do?

If you do not want to obtain a permit to trap a possum, look in the Yellow Pages and contact a pest control company.

Tips on dealing with possums and if a possum is hurt

If the possum is hurt, Fauna Rescue of South Australia may be able to assist the resident. To view their website, which includes tips on dealing with possums, visit Fauna Rescue of South Australia website.

Rats

Council does not provide a rat removal service. Please refer to the Yellow Pages or other resources to locate the contact details of a pest removal service.

It is a legal requirement that owners and occupiers of premises prevent rats from living and breeding on their property.

Rat indicators

Rats are only seen during the day if they are very hungry or present in large numbers. Commonly, the presence of rats is indicated by:

  • Droppings (12mm to 18mm long).
  • Debris left in dark corners (e.g. almond shells, chop bones, etc.).
  • Partially eaten fruit and vegetables.
  • Greasy rub marks.
  • Burrow holes around buildings.
  • Pets being more excitable than usual.
  • Squeaking, gnawing or movement noises in the walls, cupboards, ceiling or under-floor areas.

Rat control

Chemical baits are the most effective way of destroying rats and they are available at hardware stores and supermarkets. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take special care if using baits around animals or children. The old-fashioned spring 'back break' trap is also effective.

Prevention

To prevent rats from living and breeding in your yard, deny rats food and shelter by:

  • Storing firewood away from sheds or fences and at least 40cm above the ground.
  • Keep the shed and yard clear of junk piles.
  • Removing all fruit and nuts from trees and vines at the end of the season.
  • Identifying and blocking all potential entry points to buildings such as pipes and service entries.
  • Ensuring pet food dishes and bulk supplies stored in a manner that makes them inaccessible by rats.
  • Ensuring rubbish and compost bins prevent rats access. Never compost meat.
  • Maintaining a tidy yard.

For more information download the Rats Brochure below.

Snakes

All native snakes are protected species.

Where the snake is on Council land, please contact the Customer Service Centre on 8375 6600.

For snakes on private property, private contractors are available to remove the snake without it being harmed or destroyed (fees apply), please check the Yellow Pages.

If you require further information, visit the Department of Environment and Water website.

Further information

For further information, please contact:

City of Marion
Customer Service Centre

In person: 245 Sturt Road, Sturt SA 5047
Post: PO Box 21, Park Holme SA 5043