Lawn mowers
To maintain lawn mowers, clean air filters and replace the rotary blades regularly. Be aware that fuel, which is stored longer than six weeks may deteriorate.
In Perth, bindii is one weed that is often transmitted when lawn mowers move around different properties. Make sure to remove all leftover grass and weeds before usage on another lawn.
Chain saws and mechanical hedge trimmers
These mechanical tools may jam regularly due to build up of sap and frass, from the cutting process. They need to be regularly cleaned with a solvent (kerosene or petrol) and lightly coated with oil before storage.
Sprayers and fertiliser spreaders
Clean out the sprayer with a small amount of soap, dissolved in water and rinse out thoroughly after use.
Empty and dry sprayer, then store in a dry place. Regularly clean the nozzles and replace defect seals.
To prevent cross-contamination, it is advisable to keep separate sprayers for herbicides and insecticides.
The fertiliser spreader needs to be thoroughly washed out after use, as residual fertiliser is very corrosive.
Unfamiliar pests
The Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA) is on the lookout for animal and plant pests, diseases and weeds that could pose a threat to agriculture and the environment.
If you discover something unfamiliar, please send a photo to the Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS) by email: info@agric.wa.gov.au or phone them on Freecall: 1800 084 881.
Please read the Sending specimens for identification web article before sending, or bringing in, samples to the Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS), 3 Baron-Hay Court, South Perth, 6151, WA.