Pest animals

Pest animals can cause serious harm to the environment, damage property, pose health risks, and threaten native wildlife by competing for food and habitat.

Controlling these pests is a challenging task—and it’s not one the Council can handle alone. We collaborate with government agencies, landowners, and community volunteers to help manage and reduce the impact of specific pest species in our region.

In some cases, pest populations are too large to remove entirely. When that happens, our focus shifts to minimising their effects, particularly in public areas.

Information on pest animals in our area is found below.

 

Common (Indian) Myna Birds

Managing Common (Indian) Myna Birds

Common Myna birds, also known as Indian Mynas, are commonly found throughout the Kiama Local Government Area and much of eastern Australia. Originally introduced from Asia to help control insect pests, these birds have since become a serious environmental nuisance.

Mynas are known to aggressively compete with native birds and animals for nesting sites, often forcing them out. They can also spread weeds, bird mites, and disease, and their noisy communal roosts are a common complaint in urban areas. When they nest in the roof cavities of homes and buildings, their nests can pose a fire risk.

How You Can Help

There are several things you can do to discourage Indian Mynas around your home or garden:

  • Keep food sources secure: Don’t leave pet food outside, and avoid feeding native birds, as this also attracts Mynas. Ensure garbage, compost, and skip bins are tightly sealed.

  • Block access to nesting sites: Fix or cover holes in your roof and eaves to prevent birds from nesting in your home.

  • Choose native plants: Plant native trees, shrubs, and grasses to attract native birds and reduce the open lawn space that Mynas prefer for foraging.

  • Avoid exotic plantings: Steer clear of exotic palms and non-native trees that Mynas use for roosting.

By taking these steps, you can help protect local wildlife and reduce the presence of Indian Mynas in our community.

Council does not have an adopted Common (Indian) Myna Bird control program or traps available for use. The Kiama Men's Shed has previously had traps available for hire. If you wish to make a trap or engage a contractor to make one please ensure that you are familiar with PestSmart's Guidelines for trapping pest birds. Traps can be very effective however if you choose to go down this path you need to be aware of the euthanasia protocols and animal welfare requirements associated with trapping and disposing of trapped birds. For disposal of trapped birds, it is acceptable to seal them in plastic bags and place in your red bin for landfill; or alternatively you can bury them in a suitable area on your property.

The RSPCA also have a good resource about the management of Myna birds. 

 

Report a problem with Common (Indian) Myna Birds on Council-managed land

Deer

Wild deer are a pest and are most often found in the escarpment and suburbs near the escarpment. 

Deer damage natural and public areas including the habitats of native animals. They are also a nuisance on public and private property, destroying gardens and fences. They can injure livestock and have been known to cause accidents.

What Council does

Kiama Council does the following things about problem deer in the Kiama Local Government Area:

  • Follow the strategic framework for managing pest animals as outlined in the South-East Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plan 2024-2028 which was prepared by South East Local Land Services (LLS)
  • Support the Illawarra Feral Deer Management Program which is coordinated by South East Local Land Services (LLS)
  • Respond to damage caused by deer on land that Council manages
  • Remove dead deer from public spaces
  • Respond to resident complaints/requests about deer and their impacts.
  • Encourage residents to report deer sightings and impacts through the Deerscan website. Information provided through Deerscan is shared between government agencies to track and monitor the location/distribution and impacts of deer. 

Deer on your property

Deer issues on private property are not something that Council handles however listed below are some things that you can try if deer are causing a problem on your private property:

  • Protect your plants or gardens with fences, wire or other barriers
  • Consider installing motion-activated sprinklers to deter deer
  • Report deer sightings and their impact through the Deerscan website
  • If you have a large land holding you can have your property assessed by Local Land Services to see whether control operations would be suitable on your property
  • Some licenced hunters have permission to shoot deer on private rural land, but this is not allowed in residential areas. If you think someone is illegally hunting deer near you please contact the NSW Police Assistance Line on 131 444. If the situation is an emergency please call 000. You can also report illegal hunting via the NSW Government's Shut the gate on illegal hunting program. 

 

Report a problem about deer on Council-managed land

Foxes

Foxes are an established pest species across both urban and rural environments in NSW, and they can cause impacts to native fauna, livestock and domestic pets. 

The South-East Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plan 2024-2028, prepared by South East Local Land Services (LLS), provides the strategic framework for managing pest animals, including foxes, across the region. 

 Effective pest management requires a coordinated approach between agencies and landholders. Local Land Services is the lead agency for regional pest animal coordination, while Council’s role is generally limited to management on our own lands and to supporting regional programs where feasible.

Council continues to monitor the activity of foxes throughout our Local Government Area with the assistance of the community who report these issues directly to us, or report via FeralScan. Baiting and broad-scale shooting are prohibited in residential areas for safety reasons, while trapping resources are limited, they are prioritised by LLS for rural land with consideration of biosecurity risks, proximity to their dens and to reduce risk of unintentional capture of native and roaming companion animals

While Kiama Council does not manage a fox eradication program we encourage residents to:

  • Report sightings via FeralScan to support regional data collection and prioritisation
  • Notify Council of fox dens or repeated sightings within Council-managed land
  • Implement deterrent measures on private property including removal of food waste and secure enclosures for poultry.

 

Report a problem about foxes on Council-managed land

Wild Rabbits

Wild rabbits are widespread in natural and urban areas throughout the Kiama Local Government Area. They have been identified as a biosecurity risk under NSW legislation which means that property owners have to try and control or remove them from their land.

The South-East Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plan 2024-2028, prepared by South East Local Land Services (LLS), provides the strategic framework for managing pest animals, including wild rabbits, across the region.

Rabbits create hazards by damaging the ground and causing erosion, they also destroy plants and grassed areas.

 

Report a problem about wild rabbits on Council-managed land

Rats

Rats can become a nuisance on both private and public land. It is the responsibility of each landowner to manage rat problems on their property.

Council works with South East Local Land Services to run pest management programs on public land. These programs focus on priority pest species identified for our region.

How to discourage rats

You can help reduce rat problems around your home, business, or property by keeping your environment clean and removing potential food and shelter sources.

Good habits include: 

  • Dispose of food scraps promptly and clean up food preparation areas thoroughly.

  • Inspect buildings for possible rodent entry points and seal them with concrete, steel wool, or heavy-duty metal sheeting.

  • Ensure rubbish bins have tight-fitting lids and are emptied regularly.

  • Keep your property tidy and free from rubbish.

  • Store stacked materials (like timber or bricks) at least 30 cm above the ground to reduce hiding and nesting areas.

  • Regularly clean sheds, garages, and storage areas to remove clutter.

  • Trim overgrown grass, bushes, and creepers that could provide cover or roof access.

  • Remove fallen fruit, seeds, waste, and pet droppings from aviaries or chicken pens.

  • Avoid open compost heaps and do not compost meat, fish, dairy products, or pet waste.

  • Only put out as much pet food as your animals will eat straight away.

  • Store poultry feed in vermin-proof containers with secure lids.

  • Seal cupboards and food storage areas to prevent rodent access.

  • Fit rainwater tanks and floor vents with fine wire mesh (1 mm or less) and inspect these regularly.

Dealing with rat problems

If rats are causing ongoing issues, or if you’re unsure how to use traps or baits safely, it’s best to contact a licensed pest control professional.

While chemical treatments can be effective, they also have risks:

  • Dead rodents in walls or roof spaces can create unpleasant odours.

  • Pets and children could accidentally eat poisoned bait or rodent carcasses.

  • Some people may experience sensitivities to pest control chemicals.

Always consider safer, preventive measures before using poisons.

 

Report a problem about rats on Council-managed land

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