What the estuary changes
Saltmarsh mosquitoes
The City of Mandurah estimates up to 600 hectares of breeding habitat in the wetlands fringing the estuary and its tributaries, and says most of its residential suburbs sit within saltmarsh mosquito flight range. Tides that flood the saltmarsh hatch the eggs, and estuary tides can rise without warning on a low pressure system or a northerly wind.
Treated from the air
In 2022/23, the Peel region had 22 aerial larvicide treatments over 5,362.4 hectares. The Peel Mosquito Management Group, which includes the City, says some mosquitoes will always remain even after a good treatment, so nobody can promise you a quiet summer here.
Ross River risk
WA Health names the coastal plain between Mandurah and Busselton as the highest risk area for Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses in southern WA, during spring and summer. That's a matter for WA Health, not a job for a pest business.
Ringtail possums
The City describes the western ringtail as Critically Endangered and found only in the south-west of WA. It's protected, and DBCA says only trained and licensed personnel should handle possums, so don't try to move one. If a possum's in the roof, ask about proofing: closing the way in once it's gone out for the night.
Swarms and snakes: whose job is it?
The City says swarms are temporary and usually move on within 24 hours. Leave them alone until they've gone. Its rangers don't manage bees on private property, so bees that settle into a wall are yours to arrange, usually starting with a beekeeper or a pest business.
Snakes aren't a pest job at all. Don't approach or handle one: the City says to contact the DBCA Wildcare Helpline. A suspected European wasp isn't one either: report it to DPIRD.
Termite inspections, and buying in Mandurah
WA's Building and Energy recommends a termite inspection at least once a year and your own look around every six months. Look for damaged wood and thin mud tunnels. If you find either, leave them alone, because household sprays and pulling out timber only disturb the termites.
When an inspector finds activity, termite treatment in an existing home usually means treating the timber, finding the nest, re-establishing barriers and inspecting regularly. Ask for that plan in writing.
Buying here? Consumer Protection recommends a White Ant Certificate clause in the Offer and Acceptance. A building and pest inspection is usually two reports: a pest business writes the timber pest part, and a building inspector, a different profession, writes the other. Our Perth pre-purchase page has what to ask.
Before the warm months on the water
- Drain pot plant bases and clean pet water bowls regularly.
- Screen the rainwater tank and clear anything that could hold water.
- Fit insect proof screens on doors and windows.
- Plan outdoor jobs around the peak times: one to three hours after dawn, and either side of dusk.
What we'd do in Mandurah
We'd sort the water in the yard first, since that's the one part of mosquito season you control, then get a termite inspection in the diary if the last one's over a year old. Anything else you've seen or heard, tell us 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.
