Pest control

Council's Public Health Unit provides information and advice on pest control, including:

  • animals - e.g. rats, mice, snakes etc
  • insects - e.g. cockroaches, spiders, bees, wasps, fleas etc

The Public Health Unit also investigates complaints of pest infestations. Reports of pest problems can only be investigated where there is a potential source attracting pests and not where they are part of the natural environment.

For more information call us on 1300 179 944.

Foxes

Foxes are declared a pest animal under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 and are becoming increasingly common in urban environments.

In urban areas baiting, trapping and shooting foxes is not appropriate as it is impossible to be sure that no other domestic animals or wildlife would be inadvertently affected. Even if an individual fox was removed it would quickly be replaced by another.

The best way to reduce fox numbers in Hobsons Bay is to make the environment unsuitable for fox survival.

The following steps can be taken to deter foxes from your property:

  • never feed foxes
  • keep poultry and pets securely housed
  • remove rubbish and blackberry bushes where foxes could shelter
  • put food scraps in a compost bin with a secure lid
  • rake up fallen fruit from fruit trees and compost
  • block entrances leading under your house if you suspect a fox
  • never leave pet food outside overnight

For further information about foxes and other pest species please contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or Council's Animal Management Unit on 1300 179 944.

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