Fighting the Bite in Onslow

The Shire will continue its mosquito fogging program in Onslow using Aqua K-Otherine, a pyrethroid based insecticide and understand that some people may not want to be impacted by this program. If you have concerns about the fogging program please do not hesitate to contact the Shire on 9184 6001.

Fogging will be conducted at least twice weekly, weather permitting (the wind speed has to be below 10KPH)

The majority of treatments that the Shire undertakes are targeted on the larval stage of the mosquitoes’ lifecycle not the adult stage. The products that are used are very environmentally sound and are extremely specific to mosquitoes.

S-methoprene and Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) are the two main larvicides currently used by the Shire.

Why are the mosquitoes so bad in Onslow?

Onslow is in very close proximity to large mosquito breeding sites. After the adult mosquitoes have emerged they leave the breeding sites to seek out food and resting places such as backyard gardens, reserves and bushland. Once mating has occurred, the female will seek blood meals and then return to the breeding grounds to lay her eggs. Once her eggs have been deposited she will return back to feed and rest in these types of areas over her entire lifetime. Males will feed on nectar and plant juices but do not seek blood.

Areas that have particularly thick foliage and shade may attract higher numbers of mosquitoes. These types of areas that are close to breeding sites will inevitably attract higher numbers of adult mosquitoes.

I think mosquitoes are breeding around my house what can I do?

Mosquitoes require a source of water to complete their lifecycle, so if you have water containing receptacles like bird baths, buckets, unused fish ponds, or any other containers that can hold water and are not cleaned or emptied on a regular basis, mosquitoes may be breeding in those areas. Mosquitoes do not breed in vegetation like long grass and trees, but they harbour in these areas.   

The Shire does not carry out mosquito treatments on private property. However if you have a legitimate concern about a potential mosquito breeding source (a stagnant body of water) on, or near your property, you can contact the Shire and a site inspection may be conducted.

Which repellents are the best?

Personal repellents that contain DEET (diethyl toluamide) or picaridin have shown to be most effective against mosquitoes. These come in sprays, lotion and gels. Lotions have been recognised as the most effective. There are also a variety of natural based repellents that may suit those that prefer not to use product containing DEET or picaridin. The efficiency of the natural based repellents has not been adequately researched so this option is not recommended.

How can you protect yourself?

It is important to avoid mosquito bites by taking a few simple steps, such as:

avoid outdoor exposure from dusk and at night in all areas of high mosquito activity; wearing protective (long, loose-fitting) clothing when outdoors; and using personal repellant containing diethyl toluamide (DEET) or picaridin.  The most effective and long-lasting formulations are lotions and gels.  Most natural or organic repellants are not as effective as DEET or picaridin; ensuring insect screens are installed and completely mosquito proof: use mosquito nets and mosquito-proof tents; ensuring infants and children are equally protected against mosquito bites, preferably with suitable clothing, bed nets or other forms of insect screening. Check your backyard or workplace for habitats where mosquitos can breed, including bird baths, buckets, pot plant saucers, discarded tyres, blocked guttering, unsealed septic tanks and unscreened rainwater tanks.

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