Learn about the impact of pests on native wildlife, and the City's plans to manage pest and weed control in conservation reserves and wetland areas.
Weed control in the City
Weeds are plants that grow in environmental sites where they are not wanted and have demonstrated negative impacts. Often, but not always, weeds are not native to Australia or Western Australia, and their presence in our bushlands, wetlands, and coastal dunes negatively impacts natural vegetation and wildlife. Weeds can also be traced back to common garden plants that ‘escape’ into local bushlands.
Weeds have the ability to compete with native vegetation for resources such as sunlight, water, and soil nutrients. This struggle for resources often results in a decline in the health of native vegetation. Once weeds have established in a natural area, they often impede the natural regeneration of the native environment by preventing or inhibiting the growth of new seedlings. The end result is a natural environment which is remarkably different from what was previously there.
An integrated approach to seasonal weed control
The City is working to combat the spread and invasion of weeds by implementing an annual weed control program. Weeds such as veldt grass, freesias, carnation weed, black flag, bridal creeper, lupins, pelargonium, and many more are being targeted city-wide with a combination of hand pulling, steam treatment, and chemical treatment. With persistent effort by the City and conservation volunteers, we continue to reduce the current abundance of weeds and help prevent the development of new populations in the future.
The City has a legal requirement to manage any weeds listed as Declared Plants (DP) and Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) under state legislation.
The City uses an integrated approach to weed and pest management. This means when chemical-free weed controls are not effective or feasible, the City selectively uses herbicides and pesticides. To learn more about integrated weed management, watch WALGA's informational video or visit their website.
Weed control using steam will be continuous throughout the year with steam spraying used on road reserves next to sensitive areas (in front of schools, shops, parks, aged care, preschool centers), footpaths, laneways, and public pedestrian access ways.
After consultation with the community, a policy and plan have been developed outlining the City’s approach to weed and pest management and how residents, ratepayers, and visitors will be notified when pesticides are applied.
The City is committed to pesticide reduction and responsible use, and is now implementing a range of chemical-free initiatives to manage weeds and pests. To learn more, view the Pesticide Reduction Fact Sheet here.
The City uses an integrated approach to weed and pest management. This means when chemical-free weed controls such as hand pulling, steam treatment, and slashing, are not effective or feasible, the City selectively uses herbicides and pesticides.
Residents can register for the pesticide notification register to receive notifications about weed control activities in their area.
You can register to be notified when the City is undertaking broadleaf weed control at our parks and reserves.
To be added to the pesticide notification list, you:
- Must provide an email address and/or mobile phone number to be contacted on
- Need to register each year by 30 June each year to remain on the pesticide notification list
- Should be aware of the City’s Weed and Pest Management Policy and Pesticide Reduction Fact Sheet
- Register up to a maximum of five parks, reserves and natural areas
- Understand that pesticide notifications only relate to parks, reserves and natural areas
- Acknowledge registration takes up to five business days to come into effect.
Register for pesticide notification list
Caltrop
Caltrop is found mostly on dry sandy soils. It can extract soil moisture from great depths, allowing the plant to thrive under very dry conditions.
In the City of Stirling, the weed is likely to affect recreational activities as the sharp, rigid spines on its fruit can easily penetrate human skin. It can also damage the feet of animals, and if eaten, can harm the mouths and internal organs of native wildlife and pets.
For more information on how to identify caltrop and other weeds, please visit the WA Department of Agriculture websites.
Diseases
In addition to pests and weeds, certain plant diseases pose significant threats to the native flora in Stirling.
Phytophthora dieback
This soil-borne pathogen affects a wide range of native plants, causing root rot and eventual death. It spreads through soil and water, often exacerbated by human activities.
The City conducts annual testing and treatment of affected areas to manage the spread of dieback.
Pests
Polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB)
Polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB), Euwallacea fornicatus, is an introduced beetle native to Southeast Asia. The beetle attacks a wide range of plants by tunnelling into trunks, stems, and branches through numerous small holes.
PSHB has a symbiotic relationship with a Fusarium fungus, farming it inside the tree as a food source for the beetle and its larvae. In susceptible trees, the fungus kills vascular tissue, causing Fusarium dieback and tree death.
The City of Stirling is working collaboratively with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in the detection of tree infestations. Quarantine restrictions on the movement of wood and plant material are in place. To learn more, please visit their website.
Animal pest control
Effective animal pest control is essential to protecting native wildlife and maintaining the ecological balance within the City of Stirling. Various programs are in place to manage introduced pest species that pose significant threats.
Foxes
An introduced species to Australia, foxes are invasive predators that pose a serious threat to native wildlife such as ground-nesting birds, small mammals, and reptiles. Their presence can lead to a decline in native species populations if not controlled. The City employs trapping programs to control fox populations.
Protect wildlife and pets
- Use traps rather than baits to control rats and mice
- Use only baits containing the active ingredient coumatetralyl or warfarin. These are known as First Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (FGARs) and pose a much lower risk of secondary poisoning to our wildlife and pets
- See what to buy and what to avoid as well as further tips for your home and garden on Birdlife Australia’s website.
Rabbits
Wild rabbits cause extensive damage to native vegetation through overgrazing, leading to soil erosion and loss of plant biodiversity. Their burrowing can also destabilize the ground, affecting other flora and fauna.
The City uses integrated pest management strategies including trapping, biological techniques, and restoration plant guards to control rabbit populations.
Carp
Carp (Cyprinus carpio) are an introduced freshwater fish species native to central Asia. They are considered a significant pest and have contributed to the degradation of natural aquatic ecosystems in Western Australia. Due to their destructive bottom-feeding habits, which stir up sediments and muddy the water.
To learn more visit Pestsmart. The City uses integrated pest management strategies including trapping and electrofishing techniques to control populations.
Owl-friendly rodent control
Common slow acting poisons used to control rodents in your home can be lethal to our native animals.
Did you know second-generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs) commonly used in households have a higher chance of killing a second animal like an owl or bird of prey? This is because there can be a one-week lag time between a rodent eating a bait and feeling the effects. The slower moving, weaker rodents then become an easy meal for wildlife like owls and birds of prey, and once consumed become poisoned themselves.
Prevent rodents in the backyard or home
- Use physical barriers to prevent rodents from getting into buildings. This is a long-term solution and should be the first step in home rodent control
- Try to make all buildings rat-proof by blocking holes and pruning back trees and vines from buildings
- Rats are attracted to food sources. In the garden, pick up any fallen fruits, nuts, and vegetables, make sure compost isn’t accessible, and keep pet foods in chew-proof containers
- Don’t allow junk and garden refuse to accumulate in sheds, around your yard or in laneways
- Don’t heap firewood and timber against sheds and fences. Stack it well clear of the ground
- Rat-proof all bird aviaries and remove any bird seed from the surroundings.
