City begins mosquito management program

THE City of Greater Geelong is preparing for the upcoming mosquito breeding season, starting its mosquito management program across the region.

Local mosquito species are known carriers of Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus and Murray Valley encephalitis, which can cause serious illness and long-term health effects.

To reduce the risk of outbreaks, the city will target mosquito breeding sites across the region’s internationally recognised Ramsar wetlands.

Geelong is the only Victorian municipality to use drones for mosquito control. Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said the renewed approach followed a rigorous five-year application process.

“We’re doing everything we can within the legislative requirements to minimise pest and public health risks from mosquitoes. Our aerial drone treatment and ground treatment program prioritises safety and was seriously considered through a rigorous application process over five years. Ramsar wetlands are environmentally significant, internationally protected wetlands so it was imperative that we got the process right.”

Chair of the council’s environment and circular economy portfolio Cr Elise Wilkinson said the community can also help prevent high mosquito numbers in the area.

“Inspect your property for water that is still, such as bird baths, pet water dishes and troughs and ensure they are either emptied of water weekly or removed. Make sure to keep roof gutters free of debris, maintain lawns and gardens to remove shelter for mosquitoes and overturn boats or remove their drain plugs.”

“We can protect ourselves from mosquito bites by wearing light coloured clothing, using effective repellents with DEET or Picaridin and avoiding outdoor activities at dawn and dusk where possible.If you see our mosquito management team members operating a drone or applying ground treatments, please don’t approach them, for your safety and theirs.”