Pest Control

Cockroaches

Any treatment to destroy major cockroach infestations should be carried out by a licensed pest controller at the expense of the resident. Council can offer advice on the control of cockroaches but does not carry out treatment on private property. In all residences it is the responsibility of the occupant to control cockroaches.

Mosquitoes

For the past 16 years, the City of Ryde has conducted a Mosquito Control Program (weekly December to April), in conjunction with NSW Health (through Westmead Hospital Department of Entomology), Sydney Olympic Park Authority (SOPA) and Parramatta City Council.
The Salmarsh Mosquito is very aggressive and breeds in the saltmarshes on the southern side of the Parramatta River outside the Ryde Local Government Area. During these summer months, Saltmarsh Mosquitoes can rapidly increase and disperse (5-10km wind assisted even as far as Eastwood).
This regional approach is complemented by localised action carried out by City of Ryde and includes spot hand spraying when breeding areas are detected. This generally targets Freshwater (Domestic) Mosquitoes – the type found in puddles, water containers, stagnant backyard pools, creeks and drains.

Federal Government Insulation Rebate

A new process starts on 1 July 2009
On 1 July 2009 the main phase of the Homeowner Insulation Program will be commencing. Some key features include:

• an online registration process for installers
• householders and landlords will be able to arrange installation of insulation without having to make any payment in most cases.

From 1 July 2009, if the cost of insulation and installation is $1,600 inc. GST or less, eligible persons will make no payment.
The Installer Provider Register will be available on this web site from 1 July 2009. You will be able to search the Register to find insulation installers operating in your area.

Survive a Fire in Your Home

Plan Your Escape Today!Anyone who has lived through a fire will tell you what a terrifying experience it is. Unfortunately, many people who experience fire never get a chance to tell their story - to warn others of the dangers of fire. Your fire department wants you to be prepared if a fire strikes your home.

1. Draw a floor plan of your home Use a grid to draw a floor plan of your home. Include all possible emergency exits Draw in all walls, doors, windows and stairs. This will show you and your family all possible escape routes at a glance.
2. Include any important features that could help with your escape Doors and windows are escape exits from your home. Are there any other features that could help you get out safely? Can you climb out a window onto the roof of a porch or garage? Is there a tree or television antenna tower that can be safely reached from a window? These features can be extremely useful in an emergency, however you must make sure that all escape routes are practical and usable.
3. Mark two escape routes from each room There is a main exit from every room. This will be the exit to use if there is no apparent danger. If you are unable to use the main exit because of smoke or fire, you must have an alternate exit. The second exit is usually the window. Special consideration should be given to planning escape routes from the bedrooms as most fires occur at right when everyone is sleeping. This second exit must be practical and easy to use. Make sure that the occupant of that bedroom is able to use the second exit.
4. Remember - some people may need help to escape Decide in advance who will assist the very young, elderly or physically challenged members of your household. A few minutes of planning will save valuable seconds in a real emergency.
5. Choose a place outside where everyone will meet Choose a meeting place that every one will remember. It is a good idea to choose a spot at the front of your home or close to your neighbour's house. Everyone must know to go directly to this meeting place so they can be accounted for. No one should go back into a burning building for any reason.
6. Call the fire department from a neighbour's home Once at the meeting place, someone can be sent to the neighbour's home to call the fire department. Include the neighbour's name and the fire department phone number on your plan. Mark the street address of your home on your fire escape plan, Always keep the Fire Departments number by your own phone in case a neighbour needs to call.
7. Make sure everyone is familiar with the home escape plan Go over the entire plan with everyone. Discuss primary and secondary escape routes from each bedroom. Ensure that all children know the plan. Walk through the escape routes for each room with the entire family. Use this walk-through exercise to check your escape routes, making sure all exits are practical and easy to use. It is important that all windows will open and that no heavy furniture blocks any escape route. If escape ladders or ropes are to be used, make sure that they area accessible and that the appropriate individual is capable of using them.
8. Practice your escape plan After reviewing the floor plan with the members of your household, have an actual practice to ensure that everyone knows what to do. Practice your escape plan every six months. In a real fire, you must react without hesitation as your escape routes may be quickly blocked by smoke or flames. Your practice drills will ensure that everyone knows what to do when fire strikes.