Published on Tuesday, 18 February 2025 at 2:58:14 PM
Noticed a few extra mozzies around lately? You’re not alone.
It’s been a bumper season for mozzie breeding right around the Perth and Peel regions – spurred in part by recent higher tides pushing large volumes of water into wetlands across the region.
Paired with the warmer weather, this creates perfect conditions for mozzie breeding.
Town staff have been working with other river-adjacent local governments to tackle the problem, monitoring adult mosquito populations with CO2 traps, and using targeted larvicides at known breeding sites to curb the number of larvae making it to adulthood.
While this collaborative effort has been focused and ongoing, the favourable breeding conditions have meant the increase in mozzies has been inevitable.
Additionally, while instances of mosquito-borne diseases in the metro area are rare, there is still the risk of transmission of Ross River virus or Barmah Forest virus.
So what can we do?
With no cure and no vaccine available for any mosquito-borne disease acquired in south-west of WA, it is important to do what you can to avoid being bitten.
Below are some handy tips:
Cover up:
- Wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing.
- Ensure insect screens are installed and in good condition on houses and caravans.
- Use mosquito nets and mosquito-proof tents if sleeping outside.
Repel:
- Apply an effective personal mosquito repellent containing diethyltoluamide (DEET), picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (also known as PMD) evenly to all areas of exposed skin and always follow the label instructions.
Clean up:
- Keep grass and other vegetation short to help prevent mosquitoes around your home.
- Empty or remove water holding containers around your home.
For more information on mosquito management, visit the Healthy WA website.
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