What's different in Dianella
The housing varies a lot
The City of Stirling says housing here ranges from modest post-war homes to large two-storey homes. Most are single detached brick, with duplexes, villas and some older flats in the southern part. The suburb boomed in the 1960s, after its localities were amalgamated in 1958.
Two reserves that matter
The City lists the Cottonwood Crescent Nature Reserve and the Dianella Regional Open Space, at the junction of Alexander and Morley Drives, as the suburb's regionally significant natural areas. There are 65 small parks as well.
Quendas aren't rats
The City says quendas may be seen in reserves including the Dianella Regional Open Space. They're native, and native fauna is protected in WA, so be sure what you've got before anyone puts out a trap or bait.
Possums
The City says possums in urban areas are often found in tree hollows and the roof cavities of some homes. Rats and mice get mistaken for them, so check the droppings first.
House or flat: what changes?
| Detached house | Older flat or duplex | |
|---|---|---|
| Rats and mice | The owner or renter deals with it on the block | Tell the strata manager or landlord too, as the gap may be in a shared area |
| Cockroaches | Usually kitchen, bins and bathroom | They can travel along shared pipes, so one unit acting alone may not be enough |
| Termites | A yearly inspection, as WA Building and Energy recommends | Ask when the building last had one |
| Who arranges it | You | Often the strata manager for common areas |
Renting in Dianella
WA Health says renters as well as owners are legally responsible for preventing rats and mice from living on the property, so tell your landlord or agent early. A fumigation requirement at the end of a lease only applies if your lease or pet agreement requires it. Our end of lease guide sets out the WA position.
Snakes near the reserves
The City says spring and summer are the most active times of year for snakes, which may sun themselves in conservation reserves. If one turns up at home, keep people and pets clear and call a licensed snake catcher, not a pest business. If someone may have been bitten, call 000.
Wasps, and asking for proof
A suspected European wasp goes to DPIRD. Don't treat it, and don't go near a busy nest. For any other job, WA doesn't have a public register to search, so ask the pest business for its registration number.
If it were our place in Dianella
In a house, we'd start with a termite check if it's been over a year. In a flat, we'd talk to the strata manager before spending anything, because shared walls change the job. Either way, tap 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.
