Thornbury's local rules
Public land or yours
Darebin asks you to report European wasp nests and bee hives on nature strips, council buildings or parks so removal can be arranged. It doesn't offer pest control services. Nests or swarms on light poles go to the service provider, not the council.
The neighbour's nest
If wasps next door are a nuisance, Darebin says to speak to the owner first, then contact its customer service team if nothing happens.
Swarms pass through
A bee swarm often stays in one spot only 1 or 2 days. Darebin says to report it to SwarmPatrol, so a beekeeper can collect it.
Along Darebin Creek
Darebin's 2017 creek plan says the creek returns to its natural channel near Darebin Road in Thornbury, with industrial and residential land beside it. On this reach it's mostly the line between Darebin and Banyule, so for a nest on the far bank, check which council owns the ground.
Spotting a European wasp nest
Darebin says nests look like grey cardboard, can grow to the size of a football, and can be underground, in trees, or under or in the walls of a house. The wasps have yellow legs, while honey bees have black legs and are slightly smaller. Both are most common in summer.
Don't try to remove a nest. Darebin warns that wasps become extremely aggressive when attacked. Trouble breathing after a sting means 000.
If you rent
Consumer Affairs Victoria says the law doesn't always say who fixes or pays for a pest problem. A renter may be responsible if rubbish attracted ants, mice or cockroaches. A rental provider may be responsible if the pests were there at move in, or a building problem let them in.
Pests tied to the building that make a home unsafe are an urgent repair, so tell your rental provider in writing as soon as you notice. If you can't agree who pays, either of you can apply to VCAT. Our end of lease page covers moving out.
Ask before you book
- Does the person coming out hold a current Victorian licence with the right authorisation? Darebin recommends making sure they're licensed.
- Which product will you use, and what's its full name?
- How long should we stay out, and what about pets?
- What will you put in writing about the visit?
Start with who owns the ground
Work out whose land the nest is on. If it's the nature strip, report it to Darebin. If it's yours, keep everyone clear and tell us what you've seen with 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.
