Mozzie Update
15 November 2007
Recent monitoring around the City has shown that the following areas have high levels of mosquito infestation:
- Swan Bay area
- Barwon Heads breeding sites
- Ramblers Rd in Portarlington
- Indented Head Foreshore and Marsh
- Pt Henry Foreshore and Marsh
- Queenscliffe breeding sites
Due to extremely high rainfalls (80.6 mm) and record high tides over the last fortnight around the Bellarine Peninsula and Geelong will flood many mosquito breeding sites and make prime conditions for mosquito breeding. Council contractors have been very busy and have undertaken the most amount of treatment for this fortnight in the whole history of the mosquito program to try and alleviate mosquito numbers. Vast amounts of areas previously inaccessible have been treated by aerial application which has resulted in large reduction of adult mosquitoes from what could have potentially been extreme numbers. Council will continue to monitor all the known breeding sites and treat areas where necessary. However, you may experience a higher level of mosquito infestation over the next fortnight due to optimum breeding conditions.
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 and Swan Bay near Edwards Point the were treated via helicopter during 7th to 9th November. Other areas that were treated by helicopter during this time were Foreshore and Marshes in St Leonards and Pt Henry. Other areas that were treated during the past fortnight by the ground crew include: The Swan Bay Jetty, Indented Head Foreshore Marsh, saltmarshes in Breamlea, Hovells Walk in Limeburners Lagoon, and various drains in St Leonards, Queenscliffe, and Lara. Light trapping results showed relatively high numbers of mosquitoes in Woodlands Estate in Ocean Grove. Moderate levels were found in Barwon Heads, Breamlea, Geelong Botanic Gardens, St Leonards and Pt Lonsdale, and low numbers of mosquitoes were trapped Pt Henry and Old Ocean Grove.
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: Some people are more attractive to mosquitoes than others. It is not clear but probably has something to do with the 300 odd chemicals produced by our skin.
