Pest insects
If you have a problem with insect pests or vermin contact a licensed pest controller.
Council does not control insect pests or vermin on private property.
Insect problem on Council land
To report insect pest problem on Council managed land you cancall our pest management team on 02 6670 2400.
Mosquitoes and midges
Council runs programs to help control mosquitoes and midges.
Pest animals
For information about foxes, cane toads, deer and wild dogs see pest animals.
Pandanus Planthopper
The coastal Pandanus is one of the north coast’s iconic trees. Local trees are under threat from dieback, a disease caused by an insect known as the Pandanus plant hopper.
Council has an ongoing program to help save our Pandanus.
Signs of Pandanus dieback
Leaf dieback often begins on the northern (warmer) side of the tree, or in trees on the northern edge of tree clumps.
Planthoppers live between leaf sheaths and their egg cases are found under leaves of infested trees.
Black sooty mould can usually be seen on the leaves and trunks of badly infested trees. Large amounts of dead leaf litter around the base of the leaf heads is also a sign of infestation.
Be extremely careful if disposing of plants or plant matter infested with dieback.
Any infested plant leaves or parts should be sealed in bags and placed in a bin or mulched and composted.
Reporting Pandanus dieback
If you see a Pandanus with symptoms of dieback call Council on 02 6670 2400.
Bees and wasps
Council does not deal with bee swarms on private land. You will need to call a bee removal company or apiarist.
If there’s a bee swarm on Council property call 02 6670 2400.
Call NSW Department of Primary Industries on 02 9741 4790 to make a complaint about nuisance bees and wasps.
If you want to keep honey bees you must be registered with the NSW Department of Primary Industries.
Report fire ants
There are currently no fire ant sites in New South Wales, however they have been found in Brisbane and other areas in Queensland.
Fire ants can spread rapidly and are a major risk for Australia.
Report any suspicious sightings immediately:
Queensland: Call Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or report fire ants online.
NSW: Call NSW Department of Primary Industries hotline 1800 680 244 or use the online form.
If you discover fire ants on Council property call Customer Services on 02 6670 2400.
Tenants with pest problems
Landlords have a responsibility to make sure properties meet health and safety laws.
Service NSW has an office in Tweed Heads and Murwillumbah or call 13 77 88 for advice.