What's particular to Ringwood
A termite rule with one gap
Building work in Maroondah has to protect structural members against termites, except for detached class 10 buildings such as a garage, carport or non-habitable outbuilding. That rule covers new work and says nothing about where termites are, but it does mean an old shed may have no protection at all.
Owls are why parks aren't baited
Maroondah doesn't bait park lands or drains for rodents because of the risk to native animals, including the barn owl, tawny frogmouth and powerful owl. It says rodent problems are usually shared between neighbours, and working together is the way to fix them.
Bushland close by
Maroondah has about 44 bushland reserves, and Ringwood Lake Park on the highway covers 8.5 hectares. Homes near them share the yard with native animals.
More building coming
Ringwood was one of the 10 activity centres in the state's pilot program, so expect more new homes around the centre. They'll be built to the same termite rule.
Your part, and theirs
You can
- Talk to the neighbours about rats before anyone sets anything.
- Fix loose tiles and boards, and cut back branches hanging over the roof.
- Keep timber and soil away from sheds and detached garages.
- Keep mulch and garden beds off the slab edge.
Leave to a pest business
- A termite inspection that includes the garage and any sheds.
- Rodent traps or bait stations, chosen with the owls nearby in mind.
- Possum proofing, within Victoria's rules.
- European wasp nests.
If we lived in Ringwood
We'd book a termite inspection that takes in the garage and sheds, not just the house. For rats, we'd get the neighbours talking before anyone reaches for bait. Tell us what you've seen and your postcode whenever you're ready.
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.
