Mosquitoes

The Town of Victoria Park joined the East Swan River Contiguous Local Authorities Group (CLAG) in October 2012, which consists of the Local Government Authorities of the City of Belmont, City of Bayswater, Town of Bassendean and City of Swan. The CLAG is an important strategy for the regional management of mosquito breeding and allows Local Government members to regularly meet in order share knowledge, logistics and experiences. Working together in this way, along with the assistance in funding for local management, helps to support the overall reduction of mosquito-borne diseases such as Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses in Western Australia.

Mosquito breeding usually occurs in the warmer months from September through to April. The Town has specific trapping sites to check the levels of mosquito populations in order to measure increases or decreases and implement a treatment program. 

Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. You can help the Town's management of mosquitoes by taking these measures to eliminate breeding areas in your own backyard:

• Dispose of all rubbish that can hold water (e.g., buckets, old tyres, drums)
• Keep ornamental ponds stocked with mosquito-eating fish (goldfish), keep the edges free from vegetation and add movement to the water
• Keep swimming pools well chlorinated, filtered and, free from dead leaves
• Clean out house gutters and ensure they are not holding water
• Empty pot plant drip trays and some plants (especially bromeliads) can hold water in their leaf axils which mosquitoes can breed.
• Screen open areas of rainwater tanks and/or add paraffin oil to cover the water surface.
• Fill or drain depressions in the ground that hold water.
• Vent pipes on septic tank systems must be fitted with mosquito-proof cowls. Seal all gaps in lid and ensure leach drains/soakwells are completely covered.

Residents are asked to take the following personal protective measures to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes:

• avoid being outdoors in the evenings when mosquitoes are most active
• ensure insect screens are installed and use mosquito nets and mosquito-proof tents
• wear insect repellent as well as loose protective clothing when outdoors
• use insect repellent candles, oil burners and coil sticks
• ensure infants and children are protected against mosquito bites, with suitable clothing, bed nets or other forms of insect screening

Should you notice an increase in mosquito activity around your home or in areas of the Town you visit, please notify Environmental Health Services by using the Health Service Request form.