31 January 2008

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

Ocean Grove breeding sites
Barwon Heads breeding sites
Pt Henry Foreshore and Marsh
Queenscliffe, Pt Lonsdale and Swan Bay breeding sites

High temperatures and limited rainfall during January have caused many mosquito breeding sites to dry back. Favourable climatic conditions along with the continued monitoring and treatment of mosquito breeding areas by Council contractors have significantly reduced the number of aerial mosquitoes on the Bellarine Peninsula in the past month.

Several aerial treatments of mosquito larvae took place in December 2007. This aided in decreasing the number of adult mosquitoes around during the January summer holidays. Mosquito breeding sites in Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, and near Swan Bay were affected by high tides in mid-January, and these sites were effectively treated by aerial application on 18 January 2008. Additionally, vast reductions in the number of mosquitoes collected in light traps around the municpality have been observed in the past few weeks, indicating that Council's control program is effective in reducing mosquito numbers.

Mosquito breeding sites on Pacey's Island and Saltwater Ridge near Wallington and Ocean Grove, Stacey's Road in Barwon Heads, the Pt Henry Foreshore, and areas of Swan Bay were treated via helicopter on 18th January 2008. Other areas that were treated during the past fortnight by the ground crew include: The St Leonards Lake, Santamonica Stormwater Lake in Pt Lonsdale, Hovells Walk in Limeburners Lagoon, Breamlea Saltmarshes, stormwater catchments along Blackgate Rd near Breamlea, Sheepwash wetlands in Barwon Heads and various drains in Collendina, Lara, Moolap, Ocean Grove, Pt Lonsdale, Portarlington, Queenscliffe and St Leonards.

Remember that 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: Only female mozzies bite!