Health

Council's Environmental Health Officers are pro-active in environmental health issues. Professionally trained to promote and advise on preventative and educational measures, the officers aim to enhance the quality of health and well-being of the residents within the community. 

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICES INCLUDE:

AIR POLLUTION (BACKYARD BURNING/HOME WOOD FIRED HEATERS)

Haze

Haze is caused by very small particles that are not visible to the eye, but in the air they collectively cause the scattering of light and thereby reduce visibility.

An extensive amount of scientific research has been undertaken around the world linking particulate matter, especially fine particles, with a variety of health problems, including premature death, aggravated asthma, acute respiratory symptoms including aggravated coughing, chronic bronchitis and decreased lung function.

The key pollution sources contributing to haze in the Perth metropolitan area are considered to be:

  • Motor vehicles, especially those with smoky exhausts;
  • Backyard burning of waste;
  • Smoke from home wood fires and heaters.

Burning Garden Refuse

The burning of garden refuse and other rubbish is an offence under Section 55 (1) of the Town of Claremont’s Health Local Law, which reads as follows. 

    Escape of Smoke etc. 

    55                    An owner or occupier of premises shall not cause or permit the escape of smoke, dust, fumes, offensive or foul odours, liquid waste or liquid refuse from the premises in such quantity or of such a nature as to cause or to be a nuisance.

     

Garden refuse and other organic matter can be recycled by using a compost bin.  Green waste and general rubbish can be disposed of via the regular verge rubbish collections or via a subsidised pass to the Brockway Road Transfer Station.

Smoke from Wood Heaters

Residents are asked to consider the adverse effects of wood smoke during the winter months and take measures to lessen the impact of smoke on the community. 

Some Dos 

  • Save dollars on your heating bills – install ceiling insulation and closed pelmets
  • Only burn dry wood in your heater
  • Store your wood off the ground in a criss cross fashion and keep it dry
  • Only install a parallel rain excluder on the chimney/flue stack – not a chinaman’s cap – and the top of the stack must be at least one metre above the ridge line
  • Keep the chimney/flue stack clean 

Some Don’ts

  • Don’t burn green wood
  • Never burn household rubbish in the heater as you may produce toxic and corrosive gases
  • Never burn aluminum foil and plastics - unburned fragments of these can block critical air passages within your heater
  • Never under any circumstances burn chemically treated timber such as treated (green) pine logs as they contain high levels of arsenic
  • Don’t fit a chinaman’s cap to the flue stack – only use a parallel rain excluder
  • Don’t allow your fire to smolder – regulate the heat by reducing the amount of wood rather than dampening the fire. 

For further advice, ask for a free pamphlet “Wood Smoke – Store Right, Burn Bright, Breath Alright” from  Environmental Health Services on (08) 9285 4300. 

ASBESTOS REMOVAL

Information on the guidelines for the safe removal and handling of asbestos cement products is available at http://www.public.health.wa.gov.au/2/867/2/asbestos.pm

Safety Conditions for Disposing of Asbestos

The following safety conditions must be applied when disposing of asbestos related products at the Brockway Transfer Station (year round).

Drop Off Site 

Brockway Transfer Station
Cnr Brockway Road and Lemnos Street
Shenton Park
Ph: (08) 9384 2544

What Will be Accepted 

Asbestos Cement Products

  • A maximum, per vehicle, of three sheets of wrapped super six asbestos cement fencing or the equivalent thereof.

         Note: this service is not designed to cater for demolition work.  Persons delivering more than 3
         sheets will be turned away.

  • Each sheet is to be individually wrapped and sealed in heavy duty plastic sheeting.  Smaller pieces of asbestos should be placed in heavy duty plastic bags (not garbage bags) and sealed with packing tape for transport to the drop off site. 

         Note: Asbestos cement products, which are delivered other than as described will not be
         accepted, as alternative methods of transport and handling practices are illegal.

    Safety Warning
     Breathing in asbestos fibres or ingesting them may be a health hazard.  Asbestos cement products should not be broken, crushed, drilled, sanded, sawn or rubbed together.  These processes may release asbestos fibres into the air.  A disposal dust mask and gloves should be worn when removing or handling asbestos cement products.

Household Chemicals and Poisons For Disposal

 Household products marked “Poisons”
 Pool chemicals
 Pesticides (all types)
 Cleaning solvents, polishes and staining agents
 Garden and farm chemicals
 Photographic chemicals
 Old art supplies
 Chemistry sets

  • Contact councils Environmental Health Officers on 9285 4300 to arrange collection. Chemicals and poisons will not be accepted at Council offices.


  • Store chemicals in a safe, cool and dry place away from children and pets.


  • Keep the product in its original container with the label intact. 


  • Each container of chemical or poison is to be individually wrapped and sealed in a clear plastic bag before collection by council's Environmental Health Officers.

       Note: Leaking, damaged or unwrapped chemical/poison containers will not be accepted.

       The Best method of disposal is to use the product as required on the label. If you can not use these
       substances, can your friends or neighbours?

    Safety Warning

    • Do not mix chemicals
    • Do not transport chemicals or poisons in the passenger compartment of your car. Put them in the boot and ensure that the containers are protected from damage during transit. 

What Will Not be Accepted 

  • Explosives/Ammunition

    • Contact your local police station or the Explosives & Dangerous Goods branch of the Department of Minerals & Energy – ph (08) 9222 3390

     

  • Paint

    • Remove the lid and allow remaining contents to dry out. When dry, place in your rubbish bin.

     

  • LPG Gas Cylinders

    • Unserviceable cylinders (over 10 years old) may be returned to Kleenheat Gas, 276 Leach Hwy, Myaree, for degassing and disposal.

     

  • Radioactive Materials

    • For example: old smoke alarms, exit signs
    Contact the Radiation Health Branch of the Health Department of WA, ph (08) 9346 2260

For further information, please contact Environmental Health Services (08) 9285 4300.

BEES

Under the Town of Claremont’s Health Local Law, Clause 103, a person shall not keep or permit the keeping of bees anywhere within the district unless approval to do so has been given by the Council.

The Council may direct any person to remove any bees or approved beehives, which in the opinion of the Principal Environmental Health Officer are causing a nuisance.

A person shall comply with a direction within the time specified.

Honeybees are ubiquitous in our environment however, at certain times of the year, bees will swarm and can become a hazard and nuisance to residents.

If a swarm is located on private property, it is the responsibility of the owner to take action.

If the swarm is located in a public place, such as a park or street verge, the Town of Claremont is responsible to take corrective action.  Bees’ swarms in public places can be reported to Infrastructure Services on (08) 9285 4300.

KEEPING CHICKENS

The keeping of chickens in the Town of Claremont is allowed provided the enclosures comply with the Town of Claremont’s Health Local Law, Clauses 72 and 73.

CHILD HEALTH CENTRES

Parents and their infants are welcome at the following health centres.

Swanbourne Swanbourne Infant Health Centre
15A Otway Street, Swanbourne on (08) 9384 3431
Wednesday 9am - 11am.

Please contact the nurses at the above centres for advice, assistance and appointments.

EUROPEAN WASPS

European wasps can be distinguished by their honeybee size and shape, black and bright lemon-yellow striped body markings, jet black antenna and hind legs tucked up in flight.

Further information can be obtained by accessing: http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/

Click here to view pictures of European Wasps.

For further information regarding wasps please contact the Department of Agriculture an (08) 9368 3333.

FIRE PREVENTION

Burning off is prohibited within the Town at all times.

A notice is placed in local newspapers in October each year regarding the construction of firebreaks on vacant properties.  Firebreaks need to be in place and maintained during the fire season, which is between 30 November and 31 March each year.

A firebreak must be constructed using a slasher, mower or rotary hoe, not by burning off.  The firebreak must be three metres wide inside all extreme boundaries.

For further information regarding fire control please contact Ranger Services on (08) 9285 4300.

FOOD

Food Safety Training

It is important to ensure that food is prepared in a safe manner, so the public do not eat food which may cause food poisoning. Proprietors, owners and managers of a food premises should ensure their staff are sufficiently trained in food safety knowledge and food safety skill.  A FREE ON-LINE FOOD SAFETY TRAINING is provided ad can be completed at the individuals own leisure.

Food Hygiene Regulations

Environmental Health Officers are involved in regularly monitoring the standard of food available in Claremont to prevent food-borne infections such as Listeria, Campylobacter Gastroenteritis and Salmonella poisoning. 

All food premises are checked routinely to ensure that hygiene and construction standards are maintained.  Food samples are collected from food premises on a regular basis and checked against applicable food standards. 

Complaints regarding food premises, food handling or food purchased from premises within the Town should be directed to an Environmental Health Officer on (08) 9285 4300 who will investigate the matter. 

To aid in the investigation of a food complaint or suspected food poisoning, it is requested that you have sort medical attention and the product, or remaining portion, be kept (if possible) to enable testing to be carried out if required.

Food Safety for Consumers

The high summer temperatures experienced in our country encourage the growth of microorganisms in food, and it only needs a few bacteria to make you ill.

Information relating to food safety for consumers can be seen by clicking here.

Campylobacter

Nearly half of all reported food poisonings in Australia are due to Campylobacter infection and the number is on the increase.  Approximately one third of all cases are in young children aged 4 years or younger.

Further information is available at http://www.health.wa.gov.au

Cryptosporidiosis

Cryptosporidiosis is a disease of the digestive, biliary or respiratory system of humans caused by a tiny, one celled, ball shaped parasite called Cryptosporidium paruum, which is only visible through a microscope.

Further information is available at http://www.healthyswimming.health.wa.gov.au/publications/docs/cryptosporidiosis.pdf.

Food Poisoning – What You Need to Know

What is Food Poisoning?

Food poisoning is an unpleasant illness resulting from eating food that has been contaminated with food poisoning organisms.  It is probably one of the most common infectious diseases.

Contamination is often caused by faulty handling, storage and/or preparation of food. Food may be contaminated by:

  • Preparation of food long before consumption;
  • Prepared food left too long at temperatures permitting microbial growth;
  • Inadequate heating;
  • Cross-contamination between cooked and raw food;
  • Poor personal hygiene of persons handling the food. 

What Causes Food Poisoning? 

Food poisoning may be caused by many different organisms and substances. Bacteria are one of the most common causes.

Not all bacteria are harmful.  There are literally thousands of types of bacteria all around us.  Many are very useful and may be used to help make foods such as cheese and yoghurt.  However, a few bacteria are capable of causing serious illness.  The following table contains examples of some of the more common food poisoning bacteria.

ORGANISM ORIGINS ONSET SYMPTOMS
Salmonella Bowel, intestine of man and animals (especially chickens) Up to 48 hours (slow) Nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, fever and headache for 3-21 days
Staphylococcus Skin, nose, saliva, bowel of man 1-8 hours (rapid) Diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.  Lasts for about 24 hours
Clostridium perfringens Soil, bowel, intestine of man and animals 8-12 hours (rapid) Stomach pains, diarrhoea and sometimes nausea and vomiting.  Lasts for about 24 hours
Vibrio parahaemolyticus Drinking water, shellfish and fish 12-24 hours (slow) Diarrhoea, stomach cramps, sometimes nausea and vomiting.  Lasts for about 1-7 days
Listeria monocytogenes Soil, bowel, intestine of man and animal 2 days- 3 weeks (slow) Flu-like symptoms with fever, headaches and pains.  May cause miscarriages and stillbirths.  Pregnant women should take extra care.  (Does not cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea)

Symptoms of Food Poisoning 

The symptoms of food poisoning vary, depending on the type of microorganisms that cause the illness.  However, some or all of the following symptoms are associated with food poisoning.

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhoea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pains
  • Sweating/fever
  • Headache 

Vomiting and diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and possibly even death. This is especially dangerous for infants and the elderly. 

Some types of food poisoning can also result in miscarriage and stillbirths. The symptoms of this type of food poisoning resemble flu with fever, headache, aches and pains.  Pregnant women need to be particularly careful in making food choices and in food preparation as food poisoning caused by Listeria can cause miscarriage.

What Should You Do?

If you are currently experiencing some or all of the symptoms of food poisoning it is suggested that you take the following steps: 

1 Consult your family doctor if symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, but sooner if an infant or young child has severe and frequent vomiting and/or diarrhoea.
2 Make a list of all foods eaten in the last 48 hours (2 days).
3 Report your illness to the Environmental Health branch on (08) 9285 4300.
4 Refrigerate any foods suspected to have caused the illness.  They may be needed for further analysis to determine what caused the illness.
5 As far as possible, do not handle or prepare food until you have been cleared by your doctor or the Environmental Health Officer of the Council.  Maintain strict personal hygiene.
6 Drink plenty of water or diluted fruit juice (1 part juice to 5 parts water).  Avoid drinking alcohol, coffee or tea as these drinks contribute to being dehydrated.
7 In the case of young infants, consult your family doctor as soon as possible and take all steps to prevent dehydration.

Preventing Food Poisoning 

Food poisoning is relatively easy to prevent.  Essentially you have to observe a few rules.

1)         Prevent food from being contaminated by:
            * keeping food covered;
            * keeping meats separated from vegetables when in the refrigerator or when being prepared;
            * keeping raw foods away from cooked foods;
            * washing your hands before and after handling raw food and cooked food, after handling
               garbage, blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing or visiting the toilet;
            * keeping all equipment and utensils clean.

2)         Prevent food poisoning bacteria from growing or multiplying on or in food.  This can be
           achieved by:

            * keeping hot food hot (i.e. greater than 60°C);
            * keeping chilled food cold (i.e. less than 5°C);
            * not storing perishable or high risk foods at room temperature;
            * always defrosting frozen food in the refrigerator or microwave and not at room temperature;
            * not reheating leftovers more than once.

Bacteria Need to Multiply to Cause Disease

Bacteria will multiply rapidly on or in food when there is warmth, moisture and nutrients. 

Under these ideal conditions bacteria can multiply every 20 minutes to numbers that pose a serious food poisoning threat. 

Foods most commonly associated with food poisoning bacteria are termed ‘High Risk Foods’.  These foods tend to have a high protein and high moisture content.  Examples of these foods are meats, shellfish, fish, stews, soups, gravies, cakes with fresh cream etc.  Generally these foods require refrigeration to extend their keeping qualities. 

Points to Note:

  • If you do become ill and symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, see your doctor and also contact the Council’s Environmental Health Services on (08) 9285 4300 as soon as possible.  Contact a doctor sooner for infants and young children.
  • Always wash hands before handling food and between handling raw and cooked food.
  • Always defrost food in the refrigerator or microwave oven and not at room temperature.
  • Keep raw food separated from cooked food.
  • Always keep hot food hot and chilled food cold (ie greater than 60°C and less than 5°C).
  • Never leave high risk foods at room temperature.
  • Never leave food uncovered.

Further Information

Please contact Environmental Health Services at the Council on (08) 9285 4300 or Environmental Health Services, Health Department of WA on (08) 9388 4999

Pamphlets on Food Monitoring

Additional pamphlets available from the Council office include:

  • Food Additive Guide
  • Food Labelling
  • Food Poisoning
  • How Safe are Food Additives?
  • Sulphur Dioxide in Foods
  • How to Choose Fats and Oils
  • Hats and Food Handlers
  • Food Life
  • Simple Rules for Safe Sandwiches
  • Cleaning and Sanitising
  • Listeria Infection
  • Giardia Infection 

Feel free to contact Environmental Health Services on (08) 9285 4300 if you wish to receive a copy of any of the above pamphlets.

HEAD LICE

From time to time there are outbreaks of Pediculosis (head lice) in schools throughout the Town.  Please examine your children's hair periodically and watch for any repeated scratching.

Head Lice: How and Why they Spread

Head lice live only on human beings.  They cannot reproduce on animals or in bedding or carpets.  They need frequent blood meals and the body heat generated from the scalp to survive.

The lice bite the scalp to suck blood eight to nine times per day.  The biting is particularly irritating to children, and causes the characteristic scratching which is often the only sign of infestation. Once the lice are biting enough to cause noticeable scratching, the infestation is usually well established. Adults are often desensitised and can carry head lice without realising it.

Lice lay eggs on hair very close to the scalp.  The eggs, or nits, are much easier to see than the lice themselves.

Human head lice are a part of the environment.  They are specific to humans and cannot be spread to or from other animals.  They cannot be completely eradicated from the community.  The best that can be done is to treat them as soon as possible and to control them through continuous, persistent effort.

Head lice can be caught only by close head-to-head contact.  They do not jump, fly or swim.  Any lice found on chairs, clothing or bedding are usually injured or dying and are probably incapable of climbing onto another host.

Head lice are not a sign of poor hygiene or of being dirty.  They thrive in clean hair.  The most effective ways of preventing head lice infestation are to brush hair twice a day – which injures lice and deters them from breeding – and to keep long hair tied back.

It is also important to carry out a weekly check of children’s hair for head lice, using a bright light to find eggs and a metal fine-toothed comb to remove them.

Eggs/Nits

  • Can be found glued to the hair shaft near the scalp (eggs found further along the hair shaft have grown down from the scalp and are probably old, hatched or dead)
  • Are about the size of grains of salt and feel gritty to the touch when fingers are run through the hair.
  • Are easier to see than the lice themselves.
  • Hatch about 7 to 10 days after being laid.

Old Eggs

  • Are shiny, white or flat.
  • Are clearly visible.
  • Remain stuck to hair as it grows out.

Lice

  • Are small wingless insects.
  • Vary in colour from skin-tone to brown.
  • Are difficult to see in the hair.
  • Reproduce two weeks after hatching.
  • Feed on human blood.
  • Do not jump or fly.

Treatments

There are a number of head lice treatments available from pharmacists.  The Health Department recommends that all treatment options be discussed with local pharmacists to encourage coordinated community control.  Insecticidal treatments contain chemicals, which may not be suitable for everyone. In the following cases, a doctor or pharmacist should definitely be consulted before insecticides are used:

  • Babies under the age of six months.
  • Asthmatics or people suffering from a scalp condition.
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women. 

There are a number of alternative products on the market, such as tea-tree oil and sassafras oil.  These have varying degrees of effectiveness.  Further advice on these products is available from pharmacists. All preparations are capable of causing some irritation, particularly if overused.

If You Find Head Lice

  • Choose a recommended insecticide to treat them.
  • Read and follow instructions carefully.
  • Layer long hair into sections when applying the treatment, working from back to front.
  • Check everyone else in the family, including adults, at the same time and treat only those who are found to be carrying lice or eggs.
  • Avoid using a hair dryer (heat destroys the insecticide).
  • After treatment, remove eggs with fingernails or a metal fine-toothed comb.
  • Eggs are stuck to the hair with a gluey substance produced by the lice.  Scissors may be used to cut out stubborn eggs.
  • Inform all contacts, playmates, schoolmates and relatives so that they too can check for head lice.
  • Check the hair every day up to 21 days after treatment, removing any eggs found and thereafter weekly.  Finding eggs after treatment does not necessarily indicated reinfestation or treatment failure.
  • Make sure that you maintain a regime of brushing hair thoroughly twice a day to prevent reinfestation, and remove any eggs as you find them.

If Treatment is Unsuccessful or Reinfestation Occurs

  • Check that you have informed all possible contacts and that they have been treated if necessary.
  • Repeat treatment steps, taking special care to layer hair when applying lotion and to remove eggs after treatment.
  • Repeat treatments only as recommended in the product instructions.  If a particular treatment fails twice, try a product with a different insecticide.  If the second preparation fails, the only way to control your child’s head lice is to brush and groom the hair daily, combing, pulling or cutting out eggs as they are found.  This procedure is tedious, but if followed strictly it will eventually clear the hair of lice.  Regular hair brushing should be part of you child’s routine for life. 

Exclusion from School

A child with head lice may be excluded from school under Section 27 of the School Education Act (1999).

The Health Department recommends that children be excluded from school until one day after the start of treatment.  It is important to note that finding eggs after treatment does not indicate reinfestation and does not require exclusion from school.

Further Information

For more information and a brochure on head lice contact Environmental Health Services on (08) 9285 4300.

IMMUNISATION

Council does not conduct immunisation clinics.  For further information on immunisation, including initial child immunisation, contact your doctor or the Public Health Department's Central Immunisation Clinic at 16 Rheola Street, West Perth, or telephone on (08) 9321 1312.

Additional information is available at: http://www.health.wa.gov.au

MOSQUITOES

Mosquitoes carry numerous diseases, some of which are particularly dangerous to humans (eg Ross River Virus). Mosquitoes are most active for one to three hours after sunset and again at dawn. It is suggested that you cover up with loose clothing to prevent mosquito bites and use an effective repellent.

Check that pot plant drip-trays are emptied at least once a week, and gutters are kept free of leaves and able to drain freely. Attention should also be given to ornamental fishponds for mosquito larvae and to ensure that any containers or objects capable of holding water are up-ended or removed.

A variety of brochures are available from Environmental Health Services of the Council by phoning (08) 9285 4300.  These include information on:

  • Mosquitos in your backyard
  • Australian encephalitis
  • Ross River and Barmah Forest virus of WA 

NOISE COMPLAINTS

Environmental Heath Officers enforce the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations. These regulations do not address noise from vehicles on roads, trains or aircraft.  The regulations protect you from other intrusive noise, which unreasonably affect the enjoyment of your property.  Noise regulation provisions may allow a reasonable amount of noise, however, there are criteria for construction noise, community activities, equipment used in residential areas, sporting, entertaining purposes and religious services.

The initial approach for a noise complaint should be made to the originator of the noise. If this proves to be unsuccessful then it may be necessary to lodge a written complaint at the Council offices.  An Environmental Health Officer will then investigate the matter further. 

Late Night Noise – What to Do?

Noisy parties late at night can cause annoyance, distress and anxiety, especially to the elderly, and to shift workers.  Dealing with complaints takes up valuable police time that might be used dealing with more serious crimes.

Under the Environmental Protection Act, it is an offence to create unreasonable noise. If the requests of Police are not complied with, the offender risks a fine of up to $500 and confiscation of the equipment causing the noise is a possibility.

Local Governments have the authority to take action against owners of property if continual noise nuisance occurs. 

What can you do about late night noise?  Firstly, noisy parties can be reported to the Police on 131444, though their response time is dependent upon other priorities at hand.  In addition, if the problem continues, on multiple occasions, the Council’s Environmental Health Services can also be of assistance.

Guidelines for Parties

Most parties involving amplified music and/or live bands contravene ‘noise laws’

It is considered prudent to undertake the following steps before and during your party.

  • Advise neighbours in advance.  This will give them the opportunity to make arrangements for sleeping, studying , children’s sleep etc
  • Ensure that the music volume is not excessive
  • Reduce the volume around midnight so that it is not audible to neighbours
  • Ensure that your guests do not cause a nuisance with loud/offensive language or behaviour while at the party or when leaving

Note that complaints concerning excessive noise can result in the Police or Council seizing equipment associated with the noise and prosecution may result in a significant fine.

Remember, have fun but have regard for others.

For further information contact Environmental Health Services on (08) 9285 4300.

PUBLIC BUILDINGS

Environmental Health Officers monitor public buildings within the Town. Public buildings include all halls, clubs, auditoriums, hotels, churches and recreation centres.

Residents may have environmental or safety queries relating to such issues as accommodation numbers and smoking restrictions in these venues.  There are legislative requirements relating to the health and safety of all patrons.  For further information contact  Environmental Health Services on (08) 925 4300.

PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS

Council’s Environmental Health Officers regularly inspect and sample public swimming pools for chlorination and bacteriology to ensure the water is safe for the general public. 

Information on pool safety at home is available at http://www.health.wa.gov.au/

RODENTS

Rats are a major risk to the health of the community.  They can assist the transmission of serious diseases, including dysentery, leptospirosis and typhus fever.  Their fleas, lice and ticks can also adversely affect pets and humans.  Their excreta and hair contaminate food and utensils, causing food poisoning and economic loss.  Rat colonies damage and foul buildings and furnishings, and they generate a terrible smell.  Rats’ gnawing will damage buildings, pipes, conduits and wiring and has been the cause of electrical fires. 

Rats normally come out at night and usually are not seen unless they are very hungry or are present in large numbers. 

A Rat Can… 

  • Fall 15 metres without hurting itself.
  • Swim 800 metres.
  • Tread water for three days.
  • Jump one metre vertically, 1.2 metres horizontally.
  • Wriggle through a hole one-quarter its size.
  • Gnaw through lead and aluminium sheeting.
  • Produce up to 15,000 descendants in a year. 

Spot the Rat

To check whether rats are around, look for:

  • Droppings (12mm to 18mm long)
  • Debris such as snail shells with the sides eaten out, almond shells, cape lilac berries, chop bones, etc left in the corners of sheds, under homes and other secluded spots.
  • Signs of fruit and vegetables having been eaten.
  • Greasy rub marks along paths they travel.
  • Burrow holes around buildings.
  • Signs of gnawing damage.
  • Pet dogs, cats, and birds being more excitable than usual.
  • Squealing, gnawing or movement noises in walls, cupboard and ceilings and under floors.

Avoiding Rat Problems

Rats can be discouraged and controlled by denying them food and shelter.  A few simple precautions will prevent or help get rid of them:

  • Store firewood away from the sides of sheds and fences and keep it well clear (40cm) of the ground.
  • Regularly remove or limit garden waste or other disused material in sheds or around your yard.
  • Remove fruit and nuts from trees or vines at the end of the season.
  • Block holes and other potential access points around all buildings.
  • Keep pet food dishes clean and store bulk pet food supplies in a manner, which denies access to rats.
  • Rubbish bins and compost containers should be well maintained and free from holes. Meat scraps must never be composted.
  • Thoroughly examine your property to ensure you have discouraged rats from making your home their home.

Destruction of Rats

Baiting

Poison baits are the most successful way of destroying rats.  Many brands are available in retail shops.  It is important to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and check baits regularly to ensure they are not accessible to children or pets and to see whether rats have been eating them.

 

Trapping

The old fashioned spring ‘back-break’ trap is still the best trap for home use. However, there is now available a plastic capture box which may also be used.  Try different types of bait, eg bacon, fish, nuts, peanut butter, apple, pumpkinseed or sausage.

Remember

Occupiers and owners of premises are required by law to prevent harbourage of rats and secure their destruction.

Further Information

For further information contact Environmental Health Services on (08) 9285 4300.

SYRINGE DISPOSAL

If needles or syringes are found, residents should contact an Environmental Health Officer and report the matter.  In the event needles or syringes are handled, the utmost care must be taken to pick up the needle or syringe by the plunger end and to place it carefully in a glass jar or similar impervious container and placed in your waste bin.

Click here to view a brochure on the safe disposal of needles and syringes.

For further information contact Environmental Health Services on (08) 9285 4300.

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