Council launches mosquito control program ahead of summer

Liverpool City Council is going on the front foot against mosquitoes, spraying breeding grounds with environmentally friendly products in problem areas for the first time.

The initiative is part of a comprehensive mosquito control program being developed by Council in collaboration with Dr Cameron Webb, Principal Hospital Scientist in Medical Entomology at NSW Health, who has been studying mosquitoes in Sydney for more than 20 years.

“The health and wellbeing of our community is paramount to Council, which is why we are taking an active role in managing local mosquito populations ahead of the summer period,” Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said.

“The mosquito control program we are developing in collaboration with NSW Health aims to reduce mosquito populations in Liverpool and give residents the information they need to protect themselves during the warmer months.”

With the help of Dr Webb, Council has launched a three-stage program which involves mapping mosquito sites in the Liverpool LGA to target problem spots, spraying breeding grounds with environmentally friendly products and a public education campaign about how to stay safe from mosquitoes.

“We have already identified the waterways around Hammondville as the area of highest priority for spraying, as it is a key breeding ground for a species of mosquito which can transmit Ross River fever, and will begin spraying when tide conditions are ideal,” Mayor Waller said.

Council launched a video this week about its mosquito control program on Facebook, with an additional two educational videos providing tips on reducing mosquitoes around the home and minimising the risk of mosquito bites to come.

Flyers in English, Arabic, Vietnamese and Serbian will also soon be distributed to suburbs east of the Hume Highway, as they are in close proximity to the Georges River and its tributaries, where mosquitoes commonly breed.

“Mosquitoes are an unfortunate part of life during the warmer months in the Liverpool LGA, particularly in suburbs around the Georges River,” Mayor Waller said.

“Council is doing what it can, but we need the community’s help.

“Make sure items which hold water, such as pot plant saucers and buckets, are empty or covered up, and ensure rainwater tanks are screened and don’t have gaps that allow mosquitoes to get in.

“A good insect repellent is your first line of defence against bites.

“I encourage residents to visit Council’s Facebook page or website for further tips on how to protect themselves and their family from mosquitoes.”

In addition to its own mosquito control program, Council is engaging other agencies involved with the Georges River to develop a joint approach to mosquito control on an ongoing basis.

More information about Council’s mosquito control program can be found at Council’s website www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/environment/mosquitoes.