Mosquito Control

WA Health’s Fight the Bite campaign was originally launched to educate individuals on simple ways to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes, reduce breeding around their home/holiday accommodation and minimise the risk of mosquito-borne disease transmission.

 

The most effective way to prevent infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes:

  • Cover Up – wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, covering as much of the body as you can.
  • Repel – apply an effective insect repellent containing DEET (diethyltoluamide), picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE, also known as PMD) evenly to exposed skin.
  • Clean Up – remove, empty or cover water-holding containers. Keep your grass short to stop mosquitoes hanging around your home.

 

For further information regarding what you can do to help fight the bite, please visit the weblink: Fight the Bite - On Holiday in Australia

 

Where is the Fogger?

In the past, the Shire used chemical fogging as a method to control mosquitoes. However, this is now a thing of the past. New and improved pesticide treatments allow us to prevent mosquito breeding while also protecting the environment.

 

Fogging has several downsides: it kills all insects, including beneficial species like bees; it has no residual effect, meaning mosquitoes outside the treated area remain unaffected; and it can cause respiratory issues for people and pets.

 

The Shire is now focused on larvicide treatments, which are applied to areas of pooling water known for mosquito breeding. This method prevents larvae from developing into adult mosquitoes, has a residual effect of up to 150 days, and is targeted specifically at mosquito larvae only — protecting other insects and the environment.

 

These methods of prevention have been used in the Shire of Exmouth over the past two years and will continue to be implemented. If you notice any pooling water, please contact us. In the event of an outbreak of a mosquito-borne virus — including cases in humans, detections from our neighbouring councils, and the sentinel chicken program — fogging may be used as a backup prevention method.

 

If you have any questions, please go to our FAQ section on our website or contact Health Services on 9949 3000.

 

FAQ’s - Frequently Asked Questions

What chemical is being applied?

  • ProLink XR Briquets (150 days residual) are the ideal treatment for chronic breeding sites where access is difficult or where regular re-treatment would be impractical. ProLink XR Briquets can be applied (at a rate of 1 Briquet/10-20 m2) prior to flooding when sites are dry. They can be used in storm drains, ditches, ornamental ponds, septic tanks, wastewater ponds, abandoned swimming pools, construction sites, saltmarshes, semi-permanent and permanent freshwater laval habitats etc. ProLink XR Briquets can also be used in rainwater tanks containing potable water. ProLink XR Briquets are available in buckets of 100 and 200 briquets, or cartons of 220. MSDS for ProLink Briquets
  • ProLink Pellets will give control for up to 30 days. Conventional pellet application equipment can be used, or pellets can be simply distributed by hand. Applied at 3-4 kg/Ha (approx. 2-4 pellets/m2) pellets can be applied prior to flooding. ProLink Pellets are ideal for spot applications to control larvae in plant potholders, birdbaths, gutters, old tyres etc in domestic or commercial areas. Pellets are also ideal for use in large mosquito control programs in saltmarsh and freshwater larval habitats, particularly where application cost or access are limiting factors. ProLink Pellets are available in 10Kg jugs, and cartons of 2 x 10Kg Jugs

MSDS for ProLink Pellets

Why don’t we Fog anymore?

Fogging has several downsides: it kills all insects, including beneficial species like bees; it has no residual effect, meaning mosquitoes outside the treated area remain unaffected; and it can cause respiratory issues for people and pets.

 

What is the current status of mosquito borne virus?

There has been no notifications received by the Shire for Ross River virus or Barmah Forest virus. There also has been no detection of Murray Valley Encephalitis or Kunjin virus.

 

How can I stop mosquito from breeding in my backyard?

Check to make sure you don't have anything in your backyard that can hold water such as tyres or old drums. Make sure your septic tanks are completely sealed and the mosquito proof cowl on your vents is in good condition.

 

Do mosquitoes breed in grass?

No, mosquitoes need a permanent water body for at least 3 days to complete breeding cycles.

 

Visit the Department of Health Website for more information Department of Health - Mosquitoes

 

If you have any further questions please contact the Shire of Exmouth Health Services on 9949 3000 info@exmouth.wa.gov.au.