Stung, or found a nest?
Monash says stings to the face and neck, or many stings, may lead to severe swelling or an allergic reaction. If you think you're allergic, stay well away from the nest. If someone has trouble breathing, call 000.
How it works in Clayton
Whose nest is it?
Monash says it doesn't remove nests on private property and points owners to a pest controller who holds a licence. Nests in parks, reserves or on nature strips are reported to council.
Is it a European wasp?
Monash describes black and yellow stripes, black spots down the abdomen and yellow legs, at about 20mm long, with longer wings than a bee. Look from a distance. Our European wasp guide has the look-alikes.
Poison reaches wildlife
Council warns that rodent poisons can cause significant risks for wildlife that eat poisoned rats and mice. Ask a technician how they'd limit that before any treatment.
A neighbour's rats
If talking hasn't helped, Monash's Public Health Unit can send an officer to advise the neighbour.
Rats, mice and a busy suburb
The City of Monash is a mix of homes, shops and industry, 20km from the CBD, so a rodent in Clayton rarely has far to go for food. All it needs is a gap. Start with bins, compost and pet food, then look for droppings along walls and in the meter box.
A pest controller inspects before treating. Ask what they'd seal, what product they'd use and where they'd put it, and tell them about pets and children. The Melbourne rat and mouse page sets out what a good visit includes.
Termite inspection and treatment
We couldn't confirm a Monash termite designation, and either way it's a building rule, not a termite map. The signs to report are damaged timber and mud tubes. CSIRO's survey found 86% of homes with termites noticed damaged wood and 34% saw mud tubes, while only 8% noticed wings.
If you've found either, leave them alone so the inspector can see active termites. In Victoria, termite work needs a licence with the timber pest authorisation, and the Department of Health's register lists current holders. Termite inspections explains what's checked.
Mosquitoes, bees and possums
Monash says many mosquitoes prefer still water, so change pet bowls, bird baths and vases at least once a week. Bees on private land go to a bee removalist, and on council land to council. Possums are protected from harm or capture under the Wildlife Act, so what's left is proofing, and a possum band on a tree that's being overgrazed.
Our take on pests in Clayton
Before anyone puts out poison, we'd find out how the rodents are getting in. Close that, and you've done most of the job. Then tap what you've found 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.
