Easter Long Weekend Opening Hours

Please be advised that the City administration building and several City facilities, including the Darius Wells Library and Resource Centre, will be closed for the Easter long weekend from Friday, 18 April through to Monday, 21 April (inclusive). 

Bins will not be collected on Good Friday (Friday, 18 April), residents impacted are advised to place their bins out on Saturday, 19 April by 6am. Collection for Easter Monday (Monday, 21 April) and the ANZAC Day Public Holiday (Friday, 25 April) remain unchanged, for any enquiries please contact 1300 293 955.

We look forward to seeing you again from Tuesday, 11 April. 

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Insects and Pest Management

The City of Kwinana works with key agencies to control mosquitoes in The Spectacles Wetlands and protect public health. Learn about mosquito management efforts, prevention tips for your home, and how to report concerns. Plus, find advice on other common pests like bees, wasps, rats, and termites.

    Managing Mosquitoes at The Spectacles

    The Spectacles Wetlands cover 360 hectares of natural bushland and wetlands, forming part of Beeliar Regional Park. The area is managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), with the Water Corporation overseeing the Peel Main Drain, which runs through the wetlands.

    Mosquito Control Efforts

    The Culex annulirostris mosquito, which can carry Ross River Virus, is commonly found in the area and can travel up to 10 km. When high numbers of mosquito larvae are detected in shallow pools under mature paperbark trees, the City, in partnership with DBCA, Water Corporation, and the Department of Health, works to reduce mosquito numbers.

    Control Measures

    Aerial larvicide treatments are used when large mosquito populations are detected.

    Hand-applied treatments are carried out in accessible areas when needed.

    Safe larvicides, including S-methoprene and Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), are used. These products target mosquitoes while having minimal impact on other plants and animals.

    The City remains committed to effective mosquito management to help protect public health

    FAQ's

      Will the chemicals used for larvicidal treatment harm the birds, animals or humans?

      S-Methoprene and Bti, (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) and are the most environmentally appropriate products available for mosquito control and are utilised across the world. Both of these larvicides have been approved for use by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, approved by the Department of Health and are certified for the management of mosquitoes in natural and urban environments. Both are exempt from poisons scheduling. Extensive studies have been undertaken showing that the use of S-Methoprene and Bti has no negative impact on birds, other wildlife and aquatic invertebrates. The chemical is used during the aerial treatment in the Peel Region. The chemical is not considered hazardous to humans based on appropriate application in accordance with the manufacturer’s and Department of Health instructions.

      The aerial treatment may be aborted if there are significantly large number of birds present showing no intention to fly away from the treatment areas.

      Why can’t you undertake ongoing treatment?

      Mosquito breeding at The Spectacles is primarily determined by environmental and meteorological factors such as rainfall and temperature. The City requires access permissions and authorisations from the landowners and management bodies including the Water Corporation and the DBCA.

      The City has set up multiple monitoring sites and is working with the Department of Health to establish when an aerial and/or hand treatment is required. Treatment by hand application is restricted to accessible sites.

      Have you considered alternatives other than aerial larvicide treatment?

      Aerial treatment is the best option for controlling high numbers of mosquitoes as access to the Spectacles is very difficult due to dense canopies, vegetation with multiple stems and organic substrates. The Spectacles is a conservation wetland and a Bush Forever site.

      The City is also working with the Water Corporation to ensure that the Peel Main Drain that runs through the North and South Wetland is cleared from overgrown vegetation.

      What are you doing about other areas in Kwinana?

      Currently, there are 16 traps and 12 larval sampling sites around Kwinana and these sites are continuing to grow. Some of these traps are not fixed and are continuously relocated to ensure new areas are investigated. Monitoring of adult mosquito populations are carried out on a fortnightly basis between September and April, and once per month for the remainder of the year (May to August). Regular surveys will assist to indicate the current mosquito populations and provide information on changes in habitats which may give rise to mosquito population fluctuations. Larvicidal treatment may be undertaken in areas where results demonstrate that disease thresholds are exceeded. The City also requires private landowners and developers to manage mosquito breeding.

      The City is unable to treat all breeding areas and it is crucial that residents also take measures in their own properties and undertake personal protection.

      Why won’t the City consider fogging?

      Fogging is not recommended as it only kills adult mosquitoes and not controlling larvae breeding. Fogging may potentially be harmful to non-target species and only provides short term control with no residual effect.

      Mosquito management program

      The City of Kwinana runs a mosquito management program throughout the year, with particular focus during the peak mosquito season. Together with the City of Cockburn and Department of Health, a Contiguous Local Authority Group (CLAG) was formed to work towards the management of mosquito populations.

      The group meets regularly to discuss management actions, monitoring and treatment results, climate forecasts and educational opportunities. The Department of Health contributes expert advice and assistance along with financial support for Local Government programs.

      Read our Mosquito Management Plan

      View more mosquito management videos

      Mosquito prevention around your home

      Mosquitoes lay their eggs in fresh or salty water, often in containers or standing water around homes. Common breeding sites include pot plant trays, gutters, ponds, pet water bowls, old tyres, rubbish, and poorly maintained pools.

      How to Reduce Mosquito Breeding:

      • Remove standing water – empty or discard any items that can collect water, like buckets, tyres, and rubbish.
      • Check pot plants – empty water from drip trays and self-watering pots at least once a week.
      • Clean roof gutters – remove leaves and debris to prevent water pooling.
      • Fix screens – ensure fly screens on windows and doors are in good condition.
      • Refresh water sources – empty, clean, and refill bird baths, pet bowls, and stock troughs weekly.
      • Maintain pools – keep pools chlorinated, free of debris, and properly maintained. Empty wading pools daily.
      • Use fish in ponds – they eat mosquito larvae and help keep numbers down.
      • Cover water storage – use mosquito-proof mesh on rainwater tanks, wells, and septic tank openings.
      • Trim vegetation – keep the edges of ponds clear to reduce mosquito hiding spots.

      Home Mosquito Prevention

      Personal protection

      Personal Protection and Mosquito Management in Kwinana.

      If mosquitoes continue to be a problem around your home, please contact the City's Environmental Health Department on  9439 0475. ​​

       

      • If you see a bee hive or bee problem on a Council verge, park, reserve, or bushland managed by the City, it may need to be removed for safety.

        To report a bee issue and find out what to do, visit the keeping bees page.

      • European wasps are declared pests in Western Australia and must be reported to the  Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

        Each year, fertilised European wasp queens arrive in WA through freight, cargo, and vehicles from Eastern Australia. They must be detected and removed to prevent them from spreading.

        European wasps look different from other wasp species and insects in WA. Learn how to identify European Wasps to help keep our state free from this pest.

      • Rats are a serious health risk as they can spread diseases. You can help keep them away from your property by:

        • Removing garden waste and unwanted materials from your yard.
        • Picking up fallen fruit and nuts to reduce food sources (this also helps prevent flies).
        • Keeping pet food dishes clean and only feeding pets what they need for the day.
        • Storing pet food in sealed, rodent-proof containers.
        • Covering compost bins and ensuring there are no holes for rodents to access scraps.
        • Using first-generation rodent baiting stations and keeping them stocked.
        • Setting traps in areas where rats may hide.
        • Blocking entry points such as gaps around air conditioning units or electrical conduits (but do not block ventilation holes needed for moisture control).

        Safe Rodent Control

        Rodent bait can help, but it must be used safely. Second-generation baits containing difenacoum, brodifacoum, bromadiolone, or difethialone have been linked to secondary poisoning in wildlife such as birds of prey, bobtail lizards, and snakes.

        The City recommends using less harmful baits with coumatetralyl (e.g., Warfarin or Coumatetralyl) and following all safety instructions.

        If rat problems persist in your area, one of the City’s Environmental Health Officers may visit to discuss further action. Community cooperation is key—when neighbours work together, rat infestations can be controlled more effectively.

        For more information on wildlife-safe rodent control, see the  BirdLife Australia brochure regarding bird-friendly rodent control.

      • Termites, also known as white ants, are common across Australia. While most species are harmless, some can cause serious damage to buildings by eating wood and other materials with cellulose.

        Termites often nest underground, making it hard to detect them until they have already caused structural damage. If you find termites on your property, don’t panic, but it is important to contact a registered pest control operator for an inspection.

        Protecting Your Home

        The Building Code of Australia requires all new buildings to have termite protection. This can be:

        • A chemical barrier to deter termites.
        • A physical barrier to block termite entry.
        • A combination of both.

        For more information on termite treatment and protection, see Treatment Against Entry of Termites.

      Information handouts

      A range of pests can affect your property and propose a health risk for people. Below are handouts on a range of different pests and nuisances and actions you can take to prevent or treat the problem.

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