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Council offers a free year-round advisory and information service on a variety of pests including bees, cockroaches, rodents, snakes, spiders and wasps.
The service does not extend to the Council carrying out treatment or control measures on private property. The services of a licensed pest control contractor should be engaged for such services. In all residences, it is the responsibility of the occupier to control pests.
Bats
As the flying fox population increases during the months of Spring and Summer there may be a need for Bat Carers. The Ku-ring-gai Bat Colony Committee (KBCS) is licensed by the National Parks & Wildlife Service as a Bat Carer Organisation.
Residents who would like to report an injured or orphaned flying fox can arrange for a rescuer or carer for assistance.
- Bat Mobile - 0411 534 004
- Maree Kerr - (02) 9144 5043
- Carol Pountain - (02) 9487 3335
- David Wood (The Animal Rescue & Care Gosford) - (02) 9858 4088 or (available 24 hours in Ryde area) 0408 477 622.
Alternative contact - WIRES on 1300 094 737 or Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services on (02) 9413 4300.
The KBCS co-ordinate rescue operations in the areas of Northern Beaches, North Shore, Inner West and Eastern Suburbs.
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Bees
Private Property
Bee swarms on private property are the responsibility of the occupier. Members of the Amateur Beekeepers Association of NSW Inc. can provide advice on bee swarm problems or collect bees from properties.
To contact a registered bee keeper phone 1900 925 222. Callers are given instructions on how to enter their postcode via the telephone key pad and access information specific to their postcode. They are then provided with phone numbers of collectors who live in the vicinity and have offered assistance. Collectors may charge a fee for incurred expenses.
Any person wishing to keep bees must be registered with the Department of Primary Industries - Agriculture. In addition, the Department investigates complaints about nuisance bees.
Public Buildings and Land
Residents wishing to report bee swarms in public buildings and land and Council owned commercial and residential properties, should telephone the Customer Service Centre on (02) 9952 8222 during business hours. Details about the exact location of the swarm should be provided along with an approximate length of time that bees have been there. Subject to the specific circumstances, Council will seek to have the bees removed and relocated. On occasions extermination may be necessary.
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Any treatment to destroy major cockroach infestations should be carried out by a licensed pest controller at the expense of the resident. Council can offer advice on the control of cockroaches but does not carry out treatment on private property. In all residences it is the responsibility of the occupant to control cockroaches.
European wasps
Complaints concerning European wasps on Council properties should be reported to Council's Customer Service Centre on (02) 9952 8222.
Infestations on private property are the owner's responsibility. Residents are advised to contact a licensed pest control operator. Council Environmental Health Officers can identify European wasps. In addition, Council can order occupiers to control infestations.
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For the past 16 years, the City of Ryde has conducted a Mosquito Control Program (weekly December to April), in conjunction with NSW Health (through Westmead Hospital Department of Entomology), Sydney Olympic Park Authority (SOPA) and Parramatta City Council.
The Salmarsh Mosquito is very aggressive and breeds in the saltmarshes on the southern side of the Parramatta River outside the Ryde Local Government Area. During these summer months, Saltmarsh Mosquitoes can rapidly increase and disperse (5-10km wind assisted even as far as Eastwood).
This regional approach is complemented by localised action carried out by City of Ryde and includes spot hand spraying when breeding areas are detected. This generally targets Freshwater (Domestic) Mosquitoes – the type found in puddles, water containers, stagnant backyard pools, creeks and drains.
Council does not undertake broad scale spraying of large areas as this is not an appropriate control mechanism for the type of mosquitoes found within the Council area. View the whole article here.
In addition to Council’s regular monitoring program of six trapping sites, Council investigates all complaints or advice received about possible breeding sites. You can contact our Environmental Monitors Officer, Gith Strid-Nwulaekwe 9952 8197 for assistance or advice.
For more information about the City of Ryde Mosquito Control Program click here.
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The Common (‘Indian’) Myna bird is a pest. It is an introduced species which is aggressive and displaces native birds from their nests. They compete with native fauna for food and habitat adding pressure to local threatened species. It is ranked by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature as amongst the world's 100 most invasive pest species.
It is not to be confused with the native Noisy Miner bird, which displays similar characteristics. A new brochure to help you identify the Common Myna bird has been compiled by the Urban Feral Animals Action Group. The brochure explains the problems associated with this bird and provides tips on how to reduce numbers and impact. Contact Customer Service Centre on 9952 8222 for more information.
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As possums are protected by law in NSW written permission (Permit) must be obtained from the National Parks and Wildlife Service before any trapping is undertaken.
- National Parks and Wildlife Service - (02) 9472 8949.
Alternatively a licensed trapper may be contacted. It is an offence to use poison to control possums.
Possum traps for City of Ryde residents
For residents experiencing problems with possums in their roof, contact Council. A number of traps is available for hire to residents of the City of Ryde. Due to a high demand, traps are not always available and there is often a waiting list. Traps are to be collected from the Customer Service Centre.
There is a $30 (including GST) per trap per week hire charge, plus a $150 deposit payable upfront. An information sheet is handed out with the trap. This contains very important information relating to the trapping and release of possums. It is important that the resident is aware of the information, as possums are a protected animal in NSW. For more information contact Customer Service on (02) 9952 8222.
Further information on possums or assistance with trapping of possums can be obtained from Urban Wildlife Services on 0419 015 257.
Reports of distressed possums should be referred to Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services on (02) 9413 4300.
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It is not necessary to obtain a permit from Council to keep pet rats or mice, but Council may take action against any person keeping them in a manner, which creates a nuisance.
Rats and mice are classed as vermin and are potential carriers of disease. Council can take action against persons whose property is kept in such a manner as to create a likely harbourage for vermin.
Council can offer advice on rodent control but does not carry out treatment measures on private property. Customers should either purchase rodent baits and traps from retail suppliers or may engage a licensed pest control contractor.
Native rodents are considered to be protected species, however these species rarely enter residences.
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Snakes cannot be kept as pets without a licence from the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Council requires that only licenced persons may keep snakes and that the snakes be kept securely and in a manner which creates no nuisance or danger to health or safety.
Council does not under any circumstances provide a service for the removal of wild snakes.
Residents are advised to contact: Wildlife Information & Rescue Service (WIRES) on 1300 094 737.
WIRES has access to snake experts (herpetologists) who may be able to assist on a voluntary basis.
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Council's Environmental Health Officers can carry out identification of spiders. Spiders requiring identification should be in good condition and brought to the Civic Centre in a secure container.
Council does not carry out the removal of any treatment of spiders on private property. Any treatment to destroy spiders should be carried out by a licensed pest controller at the property owner's expense.
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Termite infestation in trees or land under the ownership or control of Council will not normally be treated.
Termites are a natural part of the environment and are a key species in conserving biodiversity and as such generally should not be destroyed. The majority of termite species do not attack or damage buildings.
The responsibility to protect property from termite attack rests solely with the owner of the property. Physical and chemical barriers can be installed by licensed Pest Control Operators, in accordance with Australian Standards AS3660.1-2000 and AS3660.2-2000.
The Building Codes of Australia Act requires all new construction to have a termite barrier installed around and under the building.
Council has no legal responsibility to treat any termite infestation found in trees or land under its jurisdiction. Council is not responsible for any damage to private property attributed to termites detected on land under Council control.
For further information on termites contact the State Forests Research and Development Division (02) 9872 0111.
For further information about trees on Council land contact Customer Service on (02) 9952 8222.
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