Bees, Wasps, Snakes and Native Animals

Bees
Wasps
Snakes
Native Animals

Bees

The Wattle Range Council is populated by several species of bees including native bees and the European Honeybee. Bees play a vital part in the pollinating of our farming crops, fruit trees and vegetables, as well as our native plants and gardens.

Bee Keeping

Residents within Wattle Range Council are permitted to keep bees on their property as long as they do not become a nuisance or hazard to other persons. The council may order a person to remove bees kept on their property in order to abate a nuisance or a hazard to health or safety, under the Local Government Act 1999. It is important to consider neighbour’s within close proximity before keeping bee hives.

Managed bees are considered livestock and as such all persons keeping bees are by law required to register as a beekeeper and comply with the SA Apiary code of conduct – fines for noncompliance apply.

Registration as an Apiarist/Bee Keeper

Person(s) keeping bee hives are requested to have a Certificate of Registration from the Department of Primary Industries and Resources SA (PIRSA) as a registered Apiarist. For more information on the keeping of bees visit:

http://pir.sa.gov.au/biosecurity/animal_health/bees

Bees on Council Land

To report bees on Council land, contact Council (08) 8733 0900 (Business and After hours) to advise of the location and size of swarm or nest.

Bees on Private Property

Council does not handle swarming bees on private property. For assistance in the removal of unwanted bees, land owners are advised to look under ‘Beekeepers’, ‘Bee and Wasp Removals’ or ‘Pest Control’ in the Yellow Pages.

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Wasps

The European wasp is native to Europe, North Africa and temperate Asia but not Australia. As the European Wasp is an introduced species, it does not have any natural predators to keep its numbers in check and are subsequently considered to be a pest.

The European Wasp, is most easily identifiable by:

• its black and yellow body;

• its yellow legs; and

• triangular markings on the abdomen.

European Wasps on Council Land

To report European Wasps on Council land, contact Council's Environmental Health Officer on (08) 8733 0900 to advise of the location and size of swarm or nest. Do not approach European Wasp nests when located.

European Wasps on Private Property

Council does not handle European Wasps on private property. For assistance in the removal of European Wasps, land owners are advised to look under ‘Wasp Removals’ or ‘Pest Control’ in the Yellow Pages.  Do not approach European Wasp nest when located.

European Wasp Brochure(565 kb)

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Snakes

Snakes and lizards are a highly valued part of a healthy native ecosystems. All native snakes are protected species in South Australia. The Wattle Range Council is home to a number of species of snakes. While some snake species are highly venomous, they are unlikely to attack you. However, never try and approach a snake for a closer look.

While there is no sure way of completely preventing snakes from moving on to your property, there are things that you can do:

• Keep your yards clean, snakes don’t like to be in the open and will seek refuge.

• Remove litter, piles of wood, tin and tiles near your house and keep grass/vegetation short

• Keep bird cages free of spilled seed which will attract mice. Ensure there are no gaps in or under your fences.

• When you are in your garden wear appropriate shoes when working in your garden.

Further information in relation to Snakes can be obtained via the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) or by clicking here.

If you find a Snake

Council officers are not trained to handle or remove snakes. If a snake is found, you are advised to contact 'Snake Awareness South East' in Mount Gambier on 0409 280 837 or look under ‘Snake Catchers’ in the Yellow Pages.

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Native Animals

The Wattle Range Council is home to a large and diverse range of native animals.

For further information on species found within the region and current projects, visit:

http://www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/southeast/plants-and-animals/native-plants-and-animals/native-animals

For further information on:

• The keeping of native animals

• Who to contact

• Permits

• General Information

• Emergency injured animal contacts including birds

Visit http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/

Injured Native Animals

If injured native animals are found contact the Council on (08) 8733 0900, the Police or the Native Animal Rescue in Mount Gambier on (08) 8723 2276.

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