What's different in Armstrong Creek
Built to a plan
The City of Greater Geelong adopted the growth plan on 13 May 2008. It covers 2,500 hectares of developable land, for about 22,000 homes and 55,000 to 65,000 people.
Sparrovale takes the stormwater
The council bought the 500 hectare Sparrovale Wetlands Reserve in 2019, partly to manage stormwater from the growth area. It sits next to the Barwon River and Lake Connewarre State Game Reserve.
Where the mosquitoes come from
The council says the sites affecting Armstrong Creek are the Lake Connewarre and Reedy Lake wetlands. It also responds to reports of high numbers on its own land, including estate wetlands, so report those to the council rather than a pest business.
Your first year in a new home
- Find the termite notice, usually in the meter box. Modern buildings must have one under the National Construction Code.
- Ask your builder what termite management system went in, and how often it should be inspected.
- Keep garden soil and mulch below the slab edge and away from weep holes.
- Don't build a raised bed or timber deck against the house before asking how it affects the termite system.
- Fit lids to bins and keep pet food inside, before anything finds it.
Don't assume new means covered
A termite management system helps stop hidden entry, and regular inspections catch activity early. Neither is a promise, and garden beds or paving built up against the house can give termites a hidden way past it. Our Geelong termite page explains what inspectors look for.
If you find soft timber or mud tubes, leave them alone and get an inspector in. Several options rely on finding termites active.
Wasps in a new lawn
About 80% of European wasp nests are in the ground, so a young lawn or a fresh garden bed is worth watching. If wasps keep landing near the back step, look from a distance for one spot they keep flying into.
On private land the nest is yours to have dealt with: the council only handles land it manages. Keep kids and pets away, and call 000 if anyone stung has trouble breathing or a swollen face or throat.
Ask the builder or pest business
- What's the termite system, and where's the paperwork?
- Who inspects it, and how often?
- Would a pergola, deck or new garden bed affect it?
If it were our new place
We'd photograph the termite notice this week and put the first inspection in the calendar. Keep garden beds clear of the slab from day one. If something turns up anyway, tell us what you've seen and your postcode.
Want someone to look at it?
Tell us what you've seen and your postcode, and a local pest business that handles exactly that calls you to talk it through.
