Council receives many enquiries regarding the Mosquito Mangement Program. Below are several frequently asked questions about the City of Greater Geelong's Mosquito Management Program:
Has the mosquito control program started up yet?
Council's mosquito control program normally runs from mid August until March each year. Council is unable to do any aerial treatments in the wetlands between the 15th of March and 15th of August each year due to the conditions of our permit from the Commonwealth, which protects endangered migrating birds.
Is Council doing anything about the mosquito problem in my area?
Council monitors over 125 mosquito breeding sites around the Bellarine Peninsula and Lara on a 5-7 day cycle. If mosquito larvae are found, the area is either treated by the ground crew or referred for aerial treatment, which takes place as soon as possible. For information on your specific township area, please refer to the 'Current Mosquito Levels' link on this website.
I am concerned about the health effects of mosquito spraying. What type of chemicals are sprayed from the helicopter?
Council uses two biological mosquito control products for aerial treatment called Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) and s-Methoprene. Both products have been tested and used extensively in mosquito control across Australia and internationally. The products target only mosquito larvae and do not adversely affect humans, other animals, or the environment.
Council does not use broad based pesticides in its helicopter treatment program. 'Fogging' for mosquitoes is rarely done. It is only performed on a needs basis when aerial mosquito numbers are very high and it is not done with the helicopter, it is sprayed from the back of a ute or 4 x 4 vehicle.
I think mosquitoes are breeding around my house. Can Council come and spray my yard?
Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so if you have water containing receptacles like bird baths, buckets, unused fish ponds, or old pools or spas that are not cleaned or emptyed on a regular basis, mosquitoes may breed in those areas. Eliminating these sites can decrease mosquito breeding. Mosquitoes do not breed in vegetation like long grass and trees, but they harbour in these areas, especially when it is hot and sunny outside.
Council will not spray private property. If you have a legitimate concern about a mosquito breeding site (a stagnant body of water) on your property or a neighbouring property, Council contractors can visit the site and offer advice on ongoing mosquito management of these sites as time allows.
Why do we still have mosquitoes around if Council has a mosquito control program? I don't think what you are doing is working.
Many areas of the Bellarine Peninsula are situated next to internationally protected wetlands, that are prime areas for mosquito breeding. Council is limited in how it can apply treatment in these areas due to environmental legislation and budgetary constraints. Many areas of the Bellarine Peninsula, such as Wallington, Pt Lonsdale, and Barwon Heads are also heavily vegetated and mosquitoes tend to harbour in these areas, especially on hot days. The mosquito breeding sites are affected by weather conditions such as rainfall, high tides, and wind conditions. This is why we have variations in mosquito levels from week to week, month to mongh, and year to year.
Even with the best mosquito control program, approximately 20-30% of mosquitoes will emerge as it is not possible to effectively cover 100% of breeding sites and the mosquito control products are not 100% effective against all mosquito larval life cycle stages. Mosquitoes are not able to be eradicated and there will always be some mosquitoes around.
Do mosquitoes in this area carry diseases?
The Geelong area is not known to be endemic to the mosquito borne diseases that are found in northern parts of Australia such as Ross River Virus, Barmah Forest Virus and Dengue Fever.
