What's different in Thornlie
Hume Road Wildlife Reserve
The City of Gosnells says this three hectare reserve holds banksia woodland, marri woodland and melaleuca wetland, and calls it a haven for birdlife.
Tom Bateman Reserve Bushland
On Wilfred Road, this is 6.61 hectares of bushland next to two constructed wetland areas.
Where two rivers meet
The Southern River joins the Canning at a foreshore reserve between Burslem Drive Bridge and Corfield Street. The City says previous records there show the common brushtail possum, the south-western snake-necked turtle and the quenda.
Working out what's in the roof
Note the timing
Heavy thumps around dusk suggest a possum heading out to feed. WA's DBCA says rats and mice are often mistaken for possums, especially in winter.
Look at the droppings
DBCA gives more than 2 cm for possums, about 1.5 cm for rats and under 1 cm for mice.
Don't block anything yet
Sealing a gap with an animal inside causes a worse problem. In WA, native fauna is protected, and DBCA says only trained people with the right licence should handle possums.
Then call it in
For a possum, the job is proofing, with the last gap closed after sunset once it has gone out to feed. For rats, a pest business finds the way in and sets out a plan.
Rats in the cooler months
The City of Gosnells says rats look for shelter when it's cold, and that can mean homes and outbuildings. Clear out sheds, keep wood stacked off the ground, and tell the City's Health and Compliance section if the activity seems to come from a neighbour's place.
Termites and timber
WA's Building and Energy recommends a termite inspection at least once a year, plus a look around your own place every six months. Firewood and stored timber should sit well away from the house, raised off the ground and covered. Don't disturb anything you find. Leave it, and call a termite inspector.
Wasps
Nearly all the wasp reports the City gets are paper wasps, which a pest business can deal with. If yours look lemon yellow and are using a hole in the ground, leave them be and report them to DPIRD.
Where we'd start with pests in Thornlie
Start with the droppings and the timing, because they tell you which job you've got. If it's a possum, ask for proofing. If it's rats, ask how they're getting in. Tap what you've found 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.
