Animal Pests

Animal pests are a nuisance because they eat
vegetables, chew books and posters, invade pantries and make a mess, keep people
awake at night, and destroy houses. They upset the balance in the native bush by
grazing ground plants, preying on native animals, competing for nests and other
resources and promoting erosion.

They can be controlled, but we need to 
1. be careful to only catch the targetted pest 
2. know how to dispose correctly of any live animals that are caught 
3. use control methods that do not cause unintended damage to the environment
4. find a solution that is permanent and effective
5. be aware of laws which protect all native mammals, birds, reptiles and
amphibians.

Mammals 
Generally live trapping is the best way to deal with any mammal pest. Whatever is
caught can then be dealt with in the appropriate way. Pests can be killed, native
mammals can be released (or re-located if they are a nuisance) and stray pets can
be reported to the Shire Ranger, who will collect them. 
Prevention of the entry of animals into the home is the best starting
point. Barge boards, eaves, ridging and footings should be pest proof. 
Note:
Identification of small mammals can be difficult if you are not familiar with
them. Before they are killed or released their identification should be
confirmed. If there is any difficulty identifying small mammals, BICA can provide
assistance.

Birds 
Catching birds is much more difficult than catching mammals. It is more important
to discourage them by modifying their environment. If native birds are a problem
in fruit or vegetable gardens they can be fenced and roofed with wire netting.
This also overcomes the wallaby, possum and rabbit problem. European birds such
as sparrows and pigeons thrive where stock feed (grain) is readily accessible and
storing it in vermin proof containers helps to discourage these pests. Invasion
by starlings and mynahs seem to be more relentless and less easy to control. We
have to make every effort to keep the native bush ecosystems as intact as
possible.

Invertebrates (principally insects but also snails and slugs) 
The best way to deal with snails and slugs is to take care when setting up a
garden (even pot plants). If they are not excluded from the outset,
non-persistent baits (usually based on metaldehyde) can be used, particularly if
birds are unable to get into the garden to eat the dying snails. With insect
pests the first method that springs to mind is generally poisoning but the well
known hazards of releasing insecticides into the environment suggest that we look
at alternatives where we can. It is often possible to avoid the problem of insect
infestation by reducing the opportunities for invasion, for example: All building
timber should be raised on metal stirrups to avoid undetected termite galleries.
(Note: VBR requirements.)

Mud brick walls and rough timber are ideal refuges for silverfish and experience
has shown that even total fumigation of a house will not solve the problem
completely. Once established silverfish are virtually impossible to eradicate.
The only successful method of controlling them is to bait or spray when required.

Suggestions 
1. Mammals such as small possums and phascogales will enter water tanks or any
other open container of water to drink; often they can't get out again. Rats
which have token baits will also seek out water. 
2. To avoid drowned animals polluting your water don't leave open containers of
water without a means of escape and seal all down pipes and tanks or provide an
"escape stick" 
3. Food scraps will attract mice and rats if compost heaps are not secure insects
such as flies and cockroaches. 
4. Valuable books can be protected against silverfish by storing them sealed
(with tape) in plastic bags.