Fairy grass has taken over the yard of their two-storey house in Pattersons Rd, forcing them and their pets to shelter indoors.

The grass, which causes havoc at lakes Burrumbeet and Learmonth every summer, has blocked access to their front door, swamped the fernery and fish ponds and left them unable to hang out washing.

"In 34 years, this is the worst I've ever seen it," Mr Ripani said.

"It's depressing. You clean it up and 10 minutes later it's all over the place again."

Mr Ripani has recently had triple bypass surgery and has struggled to deal with the volume of fairy grass covering his backyard.

Mrs Ripani finds the grass worsens her asthma and rarely ventures outside, while the two family dogs are locked in the garage to prevent grass seeds damaging their coats.

Even a planned family Christmas may have to be moved to a new venue.

City of Ballarat began an aerial spraying campaign this week to control the infestation.

A suction machine will be in Learmonth on Friday to help clean up fairy grass.

For inquiries call Pat Collins at the City of Ballarat on 5320 5500.