Favourable conditions drive mosquito spike on the Surf Coast

FAVOURABLE breeding conditions have led to higher mosquito numbers across the Surf Coast, prompting increased monitoring and treatment by the council this summer.

The Surf Coast Shire has described the numbers as “troublesome” in some areas, with hotspots including Anglesea receiving regular ground-based treatments.

The shire is monitoring mosquito activity through its annual management program, which includes night light trapping to track adult mosquito levels. The specimens collected through the program are sent for laboratory testing to identify mosquito species and detect any diseases being carried.

Targeted treatments using environmentally friendly larvicides are being undertaken in identified hotspots, with the program running from November through to late April.

“The conditions this year are proving ideal for mosquitos to breed in abundance in some areas,” Cr Phoebe Crockett said. “Our treatment program is responding accordingly, increasing treatments as required.

“It can’t eliminate mosquitoes but can make big impacts on numbers and will continue throughout summer.”

Residents are also being encouraged to help limit mosquito breeding around the home and take precautions to avoid bites.

“Covering up is especially important when mozzies are most active early in the morning and at dusk,” Cr Crockett said.

“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.”

Mosquito numbers around the home can be reduced by:

– Removing stagnant water

– Ensuring openings to rainwater tanks are covered with mesh

– Absorbing excess water around pots with sand

– Keeping gutters in good repair and remove debris

– Make sure fish ponds and swimming pools are well maintained.

For more information, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au