Bed Bugs
Bed bugs do not necessarily carry disease, however their bite and the corresponding saliva can cause welts to form as well as an allergic reaction in some instances.
They can be found hiding almost anywhere; in mattress piping, bed bases, door and window architraves, woodwork, behind electrical fittings, in old books, magazines and papers, behind wallpaper, in clothing, drawers, behind curtains and drapes, any crack and crevice in floors or walls, wallpaper joints, upholstered furniture, pictures, covers, bedspreads and anywhere else that affords them sanctuary. Well used bed bug hiding places will usually be covered in small spots of black or dark red dried blood.
Additional information is available by downloading the Department of Health's Bed Bugs and Their Control brochure.
What do I do if I experience bed bugs at a short term accommodation premise within the Shire?
Inform the management of the premise immediately - this is extremely important as the room and your belongings will need to be separated, they will have a bed bug management procedure in place.
Seek treatment for bites from a pharmacy;
Contact Environmental Health on (08) 9071 0676 to make a complaint;
Check your belongings for bed bugs. Bed bugs can easily move with you in your belongings, so it is advised they be separated in sealed bags until they can be properly treated;
Wash all your clothing and linen in hot water above 60°C and dry in a clothes dryer on a hot setting; and
For removal of bed bugs from more complex objects you may want to consult the advice of a qualified pest controller.
What do I do if I experience bed bugs in my house?
If anyone in the house has recently been travelling, check all their belongings and separate them in sealed bags;
Wash all clothing and linen in hot water above 60°C and dry in a clothes dryer on a hot setting; and
Contact a qualified pest controller to carry out treatment in the rooms. They may be able to use both chemical and non-chemical methods to treat affected areas dependant on the individual circumstances.
For more information on bed bugs go to www.bedbug.org.au.
Bees and Wasps
If you have a bee or wasp hive that needs removal on your property then it is advised that you seek the advice of a specialist pest control company. If the bee or wasp hive is on Shire of Esperance property, contact Engineering Services on (08) 9071 0637.
For more information on bees and wasps:
The Department of Health's Mosquitoes in Your Backyard fact sheet contains very useful information to assist in keeping mosquito numbers to a minimum around your house and property.
Rats and Mice
The Department of Health Facts on Rats brochure has some useful information regarding rodents, however Environmental Health staff are also available to assist wherever possible and may be contacted on (08) 9071 0676.
Termites
The Department of Health fact sheet Protecting Your House from Termites provides some useful information relating to termites.
