What's different in the hills
More than one council
There's no single hills council. The City of Kalamunda and the Shire of Mundaring are two that cover it, and their advice differs in the detail. DBCA lists John Forrest and Beelu national parks and Mundy, Banyowla and Wungong regional parks under the Perth Hills, and places Kalamunda National Park there too.
Hollows are scarce
In March 2026 the Shire of Mundaring said possums often use roof spaces because natural hollows are scarce, and that in the Perth Hills most available habitat is already occupied. Brushtails are highly territorial and defend their den sites.
Wasp hotspots in the bush
In November 2023 the WA Government said hills hotspots include areas of Banyowla Regional Park, Ellis Brook Valley Reserve, Korung National Park, the Victoria Reservoir and Canning River Regional Park. DPIRD's 2025 to 2026 nest list included Kalamunda and Mundaring. Report a suspected nest to DPIRD.
Snakes
Neither council takes them on: the City of Kalamunda doesn't remove snakes from private property, and the Shire of Mundaring's rangers aren't authorised to. Keep clear and call a licensed snake catcher. If someone may have been bitten, call 000.
Millipedes
A 2003 state agriculture note says Portuguese millipedes were first recorded in WA around Roleystone in 1986, and that areas next to bushland can support enormous numbers. They aren't harmful to animals or humans.
If you searched for possum removal
In WA, the job is proofing. Native fauna is protected, and it's an offence to intentionally or recklessly move it unless a permit allows it. DBCA says only trained people with the right licence should handle possums, and that relocating them isn't considered humane because they can die from predation and stress soon after release.
The Shire of Mundaring's approach starts with a nest box a few metres above the ground, at least a week before roof access is blocked. Entry points are then closed in stages, and the last only after the possum has left at night, so nothing is trapped inside.
DBCA asks anyone who thinks they've seen a western ringtail possum to report it, with a photo or description. It's listed as Critically Endangered.
Termite treatment in the hills
If you find termites, don't disturb them with household sprays or by pulling out timber. WA's Building and Energy says treating an existing building takes an integrated approach: treating termites in the timber, finding the nest, re-establishing barriers and regular inspections.
If your block has retaining walls or a verandah, two of its suggestions fit: avoid untreated timber sleepers for retaining walls and garden beds, and use metal stirrups on pergola, gate and verandah posts. Keep firewood away from the house, raised and covered.
Ask before a hills job starts
- Does the technician's licence carry the Termites and Timber pests endorsement?
- How will you make sure no animal is sealed inside?
- What does any warranty cover, in writing?
- What will the post-treatment report show?
In the hills, we'd start here
Get the termite inspection done if it's been more than a year, because that's the one you can't see. For a possum, ask for proofing with a nest box. Then 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.
