What's different in Preston
Streets of timber bungalows
The Darebin Heritage Review describes the Preston-Tramway Area, built from 1924 to 1926 around Stephen and Gillingham Streets, as Californian bungalows mostly of timber construction. Homes like these usually sit over a subfloor (the space under a raised floor), so that's where a termite inspector spends much of the visit.
The wasp nest law
Clause 31 of Darebin's Community Amenity Local Law 2025 says an owner or occupier must make sure any European wasp nest on the land is destroyed. Darebin doesn't offer pest control itself and says not to try removing a nest yourself. Nests on nature strips, in parks or at Council buildings are Council's to arrange.
Bees are a separate case
The same clause says an occupier must see that honeybees with a hive or swarming on the land are removed, unless the hive's registered. Council sends people to SwarmPatrol to report a swarm. It also notes bees are less aggressive than wasps and usually sting only in self-defence.
Walking around an older Preston house
- Look along stumps, piers and the base of walls for mud tubes, and leave any you find exactly as they are.
- Keep subfloor vents clear of soil, paving and plants so the space stays dry.
- Move stacked timber and firewood off the ground and away from the walls.
- Fix leaking taps and downpipes close to the house.
- Note any soft or blistered weatherboards for the inspector, without poking at them.
Worth asking before a termite inspection
- Does the person coming out hold Victoria's general authorisation including timber pests?
- Will they get into the subfloor and roof space, and what can't they reach?
- Will the report be in writing, with photos of anything found?
- If a treatment is needed, what's the product's full name, and what follow-up is included?
If it were our bungalow in Preston
We'd have the subfloor inspected before spending on anything else, especially ahead of a renovation. For wasps, bees or anything else you've spotted, tell us what it is 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.
