Weeds
Pest plants and weeds - what are the weeds in Brisbane? You may be surprised to find you’ve got them growing in your yard. Some you are required by law to remove, for others it is just a recommendation.
This fascinating weed website, weeds.org.au, gives photos and explanations of the common weeds in South East Queensland.
Fire ants
Fire ants are our newest pest and one that the government is spending a lot of money to remove. Play your part by knowing what fire ants look like and what to do if you find them.
Possums
It is common for Brisbane gardens to be home to possums. They like to eat vegetables, fruits, and other vegetation. They don’t attack but can make a lot of noise if they get into your home’s roof. It will certainly keep you awake at night!
However, there are restrictions on dealing with possums because they are a native animal and therefore protected. You cannot kill them and only a licensed professional may remove them to another site. You can hire a professional to remove a pesky possum. They also offer a service to fill in any holes in your roof to prevent them entering again.
Read about the common brushtail possum. It's the one with the bushy tail. The ring-tail possum is usually smaller, with a less-hairy tail that curls downwards.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes or ‘mozzies’ are more than annoying. They can spread Ross River virus and prompt allergic reactions. See how you can reduce the number of mosquitoes in your garden.
Brush turkeys
This brightly coloured, intelligent bird, also known as the scrub turkey, has a nesting method that can be quite destructive to gardens in which they reside. They are a fully protected species in Queensland and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has a useful article about brush turkeys, including tips for people and brush turkeys to live together in harmony.
Cane toads
Residents are encouraged to humanely dispose of cane toads, which are common pests in Brisbane. They are an introduced species which has adapted well to Queensland's climate and has a negative impact upon native fauna.
