Mosquito Alert for Augusta and Surrounds

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River is asking residents, particularly those in Augusta and surrounds, to be vigilant after routine monitoring recorded the highest number of adults and larvae of all the monitoring sites, in West Bay, Augusta.

The mosquito monitoring program focuses on locations where there have been notifications of mosquito-borne disease or feedback from residents about mosquito activity. It also involves the trapping of adult mosquitoes, dipping for mosquito larvae and identification of mosquito species.

Shire Environmental Health Officer Jacinta McKinlay said the Shire is a relatively low-risk area for mosquito-borne viruses but there are pockets around the region where mosquito activity is quite high.

“The Shire started routine monitoring of mosquito adults and larvae last week, in an attempt to identify major breeding sites,” she said.

“West Bay in Augusta recorded the highest number of adults and larvae of all of the monitoring sites. The dominant species found here was Aedes camptorhynchus which is a significant vector of Ross River Virus in the South West. Medium numbers were also recorded near Molloy Island and parts of Augusta including Hardy Inlet,” she said.

“The mosquito season is from October to March, depending on weather patterns, so this is a timely reminder for all residents to avoid being bitten and to ensure they aren’t contributing to breeding sites around the home.”

The Department of Health’s ‘Fight the Bite’ campaign encourages individuals to adopt these three simple strategies:

1. Cover Up: wear long, loose-fitting, light coloured clothing, covering as much of the body as you can. Mosquitoes can bite through tight clothes like jeans. Make sure children are also appropriately covered up.

2. Repel: Use insect repellent containing DEET (diethyltoluamide) or picardin and always follow instructions on the label.

3. Clean Up: stop mosquitoes breeding in water pooling around your home or holiday accommodation by emptying water from containers.

To find out more visit www.amrshire.wa.gov.au/services/environmental-health/mosquitoes or see the ‘Fight the Bite’ website www.fightthebite.com.au