Surf Coast Shire Council is monitoring and treating mosquito infestations across the shire as favourable breeding conditions produce troublesome numbers of the insects.
Hotspots, including Anglesea, are in focus for regular ground-based treatments with environmentally friendly larvicides, and people are being encouraged to take care, covering up with clothing and helping prevent mosquitoes breeding around the home.
Council’s monitoring program includes night light trapping, with specimens sent for laboratory analysis, which identifies mosquito types and any diseases being carried.
“The conditions this year are proving ideal for mosquitoes to breed in abundance in some areas. Our treatment program is responding accordingly, increasing treatments as required,” Cr Phoebe Crockett said.
“It can’t eliminate all mosquitoes, but can make big impacts on numbers and will continue throughout the summer.
“We encourage people to identify and get rid of potential breeding sites around their homes, and to protect themselves and their families from bites by wearing light coloured, loose-fitting clothing covering arms and legs, and using effective repellents containing active ingredients like DEET or Picaridin.
“Covering up is especially important when mozzies are most active early in the morning and at dusk.”
Help reduce mosquito numbers around homes by:
- Removing stagnant water in places like gutters, bird baths, ponds, old tyres, pot plants, buckets and toys.
- Ensuring openings to rainwater tanks are covered with mesh.
- Putting sand around the bases of pot plants to absorb excess water.
- Keeping gutters in good repair and removing leaves and debris to avoid pooling of water.
- Making sure fish ponds and swimming pools are well-maintained
Visit surfcoast.vic.gov.au/mosquitoes for more information about Council’s monitoring and treatment program and advice on protection.