A buzz in the air: City ramps up mozzie management

THE city of Greater Geelong has announced it will deliver Victoria’s largest mosquito management program this spring, in response to recent rainfall that is expected to bring higher than average mosquito numbers over summer.

This year’s instalment of the annual program includes extensive monitoring and treatment of mosquito breeding areas, including the coastal wetlands on the Bellarine Peninsula.

Mosquitoes are targeted in their larval stage to prevent adult mosquitoes from emerging, with ground and aerial based treatments occurring as new larvae develop in the breeding sites.

Ground treatments started in August, and the city is waiting on warmer weather before aerial treatments can begin.

Mosquito levels are also monitored by setting traps in residential areas.

The city uses the larvicides Bacillus thuringiensis isralensis (Bti) and s-Methoprene, which only affect mosquito larvae.

Residents have been encouraged to reduce mosquito levels around their homes by regularly removing water in bird baths, old tyres, pot plant bases, buckets and toys, ensuring opening to rain water tanks are covered with mesh and ensuring swimming pools, spas and fish ponds are well maintained.

The city of Greater Geelong has developed an education film clip about the city’s management program – watch it online at geelongaustralia.com.au/mosquitoes.

Meanwhile, the Borough of Queenscliff council has also commenced this year’s mosquito control program at sites across the Borough.

To find out more, visit the Public Health page of the council’s website, queenscliffe.vic.gov.au/community/public-health.