Common pests

India mynas are predominantly brown with a black head, neck and shoulders. These birds are a potential disease vector and can nest in hollows, artificial nest boxes and accessible roofs, eaves or other buildings cavities. The accumulated droppings and mites provide ideal conditions for disease. Posing an environmental problem, they outcompete many native wildlife species as they breed in tree hollows. They also spread weeds, damage fruit trees, crops, grains and eat pet food as well as livestock feed.

What can we do:

• Plant open canopied native species rather than exotic tree and palm species.
• Incorporate native vegetation in landscaping residential areas. Join Council’s Backyard Habitat for Wildlife program.
• Seal off potential entry points for birds into buildings.
• Use bins with lids.
• Refrain from feeding native and other animals.
• Do not leave food scraps in picnic areas.
• Increase the frequency of cleaning of outdoor eating areas around shops and restaurants.
• Remove uneaten pet food and don’t leave pet food outside uncovered.
• Remove access to poultry and stock feed.
• Spread the word. Tell your family, friends and neighbours about the damage the Indian myna is inflicting on our native wildlife.

We advise that any trapping of Indian myna birds needs to be in line with the animal welfare code of ethics in the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979. Trappers must read and be familiar with the procedures outlined in Trapping of Pest Birds (BIR002) and Methods of Euthanasia (GEN001) – codes of practice from the PestSmart Connect website - prior to conducting any control activities.

Council does not supply traps to the community. You can get traps from commercial suppliers and, alternatively, make your own Indian myna trap. See some ideas on the Canberra Indian Myna Action Group website.

Mosquitos are a common pest in all coastal areas. Their bites are a nuisance and cause discomfort, and they can carry diseases such as Ross River Virus and Barham Forest Virus.

Mosquito populations tend to peak in the warm summer and autumn months, especially following king tides and periods of heavy rain.

Council participates in NSW Health's mosquito monitoring program from January to April. Weekly trapping is carried out during these months at Dora Creek, Teralba and Belmont, which are known sites to have strong mosquito populations.

Traps are set overnight and collected with the captured mosquitoes transported to Westmead Hospital, for identification and correlation of information associated with any disease carrying mosquitoes.

We do not spray or otherwise actively control mosquitoes, which, for better or worse, are a natural part of a healthy environment. Traditional methods of spraying adult mosquitoes have been shown to be ineffective, and can cause unacceptable damage to the environment.

Past monitoring results of mosquito populations in Lake Macquarie are available at the NSW Health website.

To read more about information about mosquitoes and possible health risks, visit the Hunter New England Health website.

Australia is home to the largest feral rabbit population in the world. Rabbits are well adapted to the harsh Australia conditions and populations multiply rapidly when conditions are favourable. Rabbits occur extensively throughout Lake Macquarie, in particular, coastal zone areas.

Council performs rabbit control on various sites throughout the City such as playing fields or areas where endangered flora or fauna may be impacted.

Residents should consider the demands of owning a pet rabbit before purchasing. The release or dumping of any domestic animal is illegal under the National Parks and Wildlife Act (1974). Unwanted rabbits should be re-homed thoughtfully.

If feral rabbits are a problem on private property, residents can:

• Fence the property to prevent access by feral rabbits
• Place blood and bone around the property boundary to deter feral rabbits
• Spray plants with a liquid deterrent made from boiled garlic and chilli and reapply after rain