13 December 2007

Recent monitoring around the City has shown that the following areas have moderate to high levels of mosquito infestation:

Ocean Grove breeding sites
St Leonards, Lower Bluff, and Indented Heads breeding sites
Reedy Lakes - Leopold
Pt Henry Foreshore and Marsh
Queenscliffe, Pt Lonsdale and Swan Bay breeding sites

Continuing rainfall and high tides so far in November and early December have casued mosquito numbers to increase. Council contractors have been very busy and continue to monitor and treat our known breeding sites to try and alleviate mosquito numbers.

Vast amounts of areas previously inaccessible have been treated by aerial application which has resulted in a large reduction of adult mosquitoes from what could have potentially been extreme numbers. However there have been reports of extremley high mosquito numbers in Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads and our light trap results have shown this also. Mosquitoes from the light traps appear to be smaller than the common saltwater breeder. These smaller mosquitoes may be breeding from freshwater sources from domestic homes so remember to check any water holding containers as they can breed mosquito larvae.

We are expecting that the current level of adult mosquitos we are experiencing will reduce as an adult mosquito on average will only live for 14 days and larvae levels over the majority of wetland breeding sites have reduced due to treatments. However during the next two weeks there are high tides and rainfall predicted so mosquito numbers may rise again over the next fortnight but Council will continue to treat these areas to try and minimise the impact.

Mosquito breeding sites on Pacey's Island and Saltwater Ridge near Wallington and Ocean Grove, the Barwon Heads Levee Bank and Stacey's Road in Barwon Heads have been treated via helicopter over the last fortnight. Other areas that were treated during the past fortnight by the ground crew include: The Swan Bay Jetty, Indented Head Foreshore Marsh, Hovells Walk in Limeburners Lagoon, and various drains in St Leonards, Queenscliffe, Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove and Lara. Light trapping results showed extremley high numbers of mosquitoes in Woodlands Estate, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, Breamlea, St Leonards and Pt Lonsdale. Moderate levels were present at Pt Henry and Leopold.

People can protect themselves against mosquito bites by wearing clothing that is light coloured and loose fitting, and covers their arms and legs, and by using an effective insect repellent.

If you have any queries regarding the City of Greater Geelong's mosquito control program, please contact Health Services on 5227 0411.

Mozzie Fact: Mosquitoes dislike citronella because it irritates their feet.