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Council And Pinp Bite Back

It’s mosquito breeding season again and that means Bass Coast Shire Council and the Phillip Island Nature Park (PINP) will be working closely together to reduce the number of mosquitos around Phillip Island.

By Bass Coast Shire - 14th November 2005 - Back to News

Council’s Emergency Management Officer, Hilton Chadwick, said the annual program ensures a large percentage of the Shire’s mosquito larvae population is eradicated before they become adult mosquitos.

"The program has been going for the last six years and has helped to alleviate many of our mosquito problems," advised Mr Chadwick.

PINP’s Environment Manager, Richard Dakin, encouraged the community to be patient during the mosquito season and to wear repellent and adequate clothing when necessary.

"Although mosquitos are a menace, they are a part of the natural environment and are important to the diet of our nine native insectivourous bats," explained Mr Dakin.

The program to trap and indentify mosquitos and to treat and destroy mosquito larvae in plague proportions normally commences in mid to late September and is continued until January, depending on weather conditions.

The cooperative control program involves staff from Bass Coast Shire Council and Phillp Island Nature Park (PINP), with screening advice from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Department of Human Services (DHS).

Mosquito trapping

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

"Virus screening is an important part of mosquito control, as it provides a monitoring process for Council regarding mosquito-borne diseases," said Mr Chadwick, "The VIAS advises Council and the DHS should it find anything of concern."

Destroying mosquito larvae

Following king tides and heavy rain, ponds of stagnant salty water are created and if left untreated become active larvae sites and millions of mosquitos are formed.

Key ponds are checked weekly to monitor any larvae activity. When larvae are active 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 Chadwick, "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 occupiers also have a significant role to play in reducing mosquito numbers and exposure to mosquito-borne diseases. Following 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 pets drinking water at least once a week;

· Flush disused toilets once a week;

· At least once a week empty flower vases, pot plants and other receptacles that hold water;

· Put sand around the base of pot plants to absorb excess water in the dish;

· Keep swimming pools clorinated, salted or empty them completely when not in use for considerable periods;

· 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;

· Avoid over-watering lawns as this can lead to higher water tables or run-off to storm water drains the creation of 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.

· As an interim measure treat with a small quantity of domestic kerosene or parrafin oil (1-2 teaspoons) to control larvae;

· Ensure that any tops, lids, covers and inlet pipes are close fitting to exclude adult mosquitos; and

· Screen all water inlets entering tanks and fit outlet end of overflow pipes with a removeable screen mesh.

For more information on mosquito control in your area, contact Council on (03) 5951 3311 or (03) 5671 2211.


Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com



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