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Mosquito Plague Targeted

It’s mosquito breeding season on Phillip Island.

By Bass Coast Shire Council - 2nd November 2007 - Back to News

And once again, Bass Coast Shire Council and Phillip Island Nature Parks (PINP) will be working closely together to prevent the mosquito plagues.

Council’s senior Environmental Health Officer, Carl Gheller, said the annual program had been very successful in controlling mosquito numbers.

"The program ensures a large section of the Shire’s mosquito larvae population is eradicated before they become adult mosquitoes," explained Mr Gheller.

"We have been running this program for the last eight years. It has definitely helped ease many of our mosquito problems."

PINP’s Environment Manager, Richard Dakin, encouraged the community to be patient during the mosquito season.

"It’s a good idea to wear repellent and suitable clothing," said Mr Dakin.

"Although mosquitoes are a menace, they are a part of the natural environment and are important to the diet of our nine native insectivorous bats.

"Phillip Island has many salt marsh areas that can breed mosquitoes during spring. This is the environment that we live in," explained Mr Dakin.

Council’s Environmental Health team confirmed that certain parts of Phillip Island experience more problems with mosquitoes than others.

"We’ve received the greatest number of complaints from Rhyll, Newhaven and Cape Woolamai," said Mr Gheller

"These are the areas of Phillip Island closest to French Island.

"French Island has a large area of salt marsh, which is a perfect mosquito breeding ground. Unfortunately, French Island does not have a larvae eradication program," explained Mr Gheller.

"So if the wind is blowing in the right direction, the mosquitoes can certainly travel across."

The Phillip Island program aims to trap and indentify mosquitos and to treat and destroy mosquito larvae in plague proportions. It begins in mid to late September and continues until January, depending on weather conditions.

The cooperative control program involves staff from Bass Coast Shire Council and Phillip Island Nature Parks (PINP). Advice is also provided by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Department of Human Services (DHS).

Mosquito trapping

Traps are placed weekly at six sites in the late afternoon. The traps are collected the following morning. They are then sent to the DPI’s Victorian Institute of Animal Science (VIAS) for mosquito identification and virus screening.

"Virus screening is an important part of mosquito control. The screening helps us to monitor mosquito-borne diseases," said Mr Gheller.

"The VIAS advises Council and the DHS if it finds anything of concern."

Destroying mosquito larvae

Following king tides or rain, ponds of stagnant salty water are created. If these ponds are left untreated they become active larvae sites, and millions of mosquitos are formed.

Key ponds are checked weekly to monitor any larvae activity. When larvae are active in large numbers a biological larvicide (attached to corn type granules) is spread by hand and the larvae die within 24 hours.

"This product is of no risk to residents as it is non-toxic, non-pathogenic and a non-irritant," said Mr Gheller.

"Nor is it harmful to the environment, including various plants, birds, mammals, non-target insects, amphibians and fish."

Mosquito breeding and control around the home

Property owners and residents have an important role to play in reducing mosquito numbers and their exposure to mosquito-borne diseases. Here is a list of steps you can take:

• Dispose of all tins, tyres and other rubbish containers that may hold water;
• Change bird baths and pet drinking water at least once a week;
• Flush unused toilets once a week;
• Empty flower vases, pot plants and other receptacles that hold water at least once a week;
• Put sand around the base of pot plants to absorb excess water in the dish;
• Keep swimming pools chlorinated, salted, or empty them completely when not in use for a very long time;
• Empty children’s wading pools regularly;
• Keep fish ponds stocked with fish;
• Overturn boats and dinghies or remove the drain plug so they do not hold water;
• Prevent leaking taps that can maintain semi-permanent pools;
• Remove weeds and grass from drains to enable them to drain freely;
• Keep roof guttering in good repair, and regularly remove leaves and debris so that pools of water do not form;
• Cut back and trim trees to prevent leaves and debris from blocking roof guttering;
• Drill holes in tyres used for swings, playgrounds and garden surrounds to allow water to drain;
• Rainwater tanks can become major breeding areas. Screen all water inlets entering tanks, and fit outlet end of overflow pipes with a removable screen mesh.

For more information on mosquito control in your area, contact Council on 1300 BCOAST (1300 226 278) for the cost of a standard local call.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com