Shire stings mozzies at Anglesea

THE Surf Coast Shire council has treated the Anglesea River with a biological control agent and an insect growth regulator soon after it was found mosquito numbers were higher than normal around the estuary.

Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis and S-methoprene were used to control the river’s mosquito larvae, with both products approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority for mosquito management.

The council said neither product was harmful to people, pets or the general environment, and that the treatment should reduce the number of mosquitoes but will not remove them altogether.

General manager of environment and development Ransce Salan said the recent mosquito treatments at Anglesea River (which began on April 24) appeared to be successful.

“Mosquito numbers are high because there are very low numbers of fish and other animals in the river that would normally eat the mosquito larvae.

“The state government is undertaking investigations to identify long-term ecological improvements to the Anglesea River, which may also result in reduced mosquito numbers in future.”

The council says it remains important to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites and offers the following advice:

• Wear long, loose fitting, light coloured clothing

• Limit outdoor activity at dusk and dawn (popular times for mosquitoes to be out)

• Make sure there’s no stagnant water where mozzies can breed around your home

• Use mosquito netting or screens on doors and windows

• Use an effective repellent on exposed skin.

The shire’s Environmental Health Unit co-ordinates its mosquito management program from August to late March each year in partnership with the City of Greater Geelong council.

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