Council warns about big numbers of mosquitoes

Heavy spring rains and high tides have created optimum mosquito breeding conditions and Greater Bunbury councils are warning people to take precautions to avoid mosquito-borne viruses.

The Capel Shire Council has warned above average rainfalls had resulted in extensive inundation of natural wetlands and low lying areas, providing ideal mosquito breeding conditions.

The region has received 745mm of rain so far this year compared to 476mm this time last year.

Capel shire manager of health services Colin Dent said the mosquito control program aimed to reduce the risk of mosquitoborne diseases including Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus.

He said the council had conducted aerial and hand spraying of wetlands but unpredictable and unfavourable weather conditions had restricted helicopter treatments during the past three weeks.

Warmer weather and rising water temperatures mean it is likely that a big number of adult mosquitoes will emerge over the next few weeks, the council warned.

The Bunbury City Council has reminded residents to be vigilant and minimise mosquito breeding around the home and avoid being bitten.

Residents are asked to, among other preventative measures, dispose of any containers which could hold water, stock ponds with mosquito-eating fish and keep swimming pools well chlorinated, filtered and free of dead leaves.

For more information call the City of Bunbury’s environmental health office on 9792 7000 or the Department of Health’s mosquito-borne disease control branch on 9285 5500.