Increase in mosquito numbers expected over coming weeks in Rockingham and surrounds

Mosquitoes are set to make a buzz across the City of Rockingham in the coming weeks, after a wet winter provided ideal breeding conditions for the blood suckers.

With Perth recording its wettest August 50 years, a number of low lying areas in the City have seen small bodies of water form, which can provide ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes if spring remains relatively warm and dry.

Also: City of Kwinana adopts mosquito plan to minimise risks of disease

Mayor Barry Sammels said the City was committed to a mosquito control program, but encouraged residents to take their own measures to reduce the likelihood of being bitten.

“The City runs a mosquito control program in conjunction with the City of Mandurah and the Shire of Murray, which forms the Peel Mosquito Management Group,” Mr Sammels said.

“The program monitors and treats the predominant, well known breeding areas which are saltmarsh tidal wetlands that run off the Serpentine River.

“However, due to the above average rainfall over winter, pockets of water have appeared across the City creating breeding grounds in areas that are not used to high levels of mosquito activity.”

To minimise the impact of mosquitoes, residents are encouraged to empty pots or containers that may hold water, keep swimming pools chlorinated, screen rainwater tanks and vent pipes with mosquito-proof mesh and ensure screening and windows on doors is intact.

Residents are encouraged to wear long, loose clothing and apply mosquito repellent when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk.

To limit the number of breeding grounds for mosquitoes the City also has a program to flush out stormwater drains that are not draining properly; drains that are filled with debris are regularly flushed and treated to minimise potential breeding sites.

“Despite these measures, mosquitoes are a natural part of the environment and cannot be eradicated fully,” Mr Sammels said.

“At this particular time of year, after unusually high rainfall and temperatures rising, an increase in mosquito activity cannot be avoided.”

For more information visit rockingham.wa.gov.au/Services/Health-services/Pest-control.