Mosquito Control Program

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Some mosquitos can carry diseases that are transmitted through mosquito bites. The Victorian Arbovirus Disease Control Program (VADCP) is a state-wide collaborative program run by the Department of Health and delivered through participating local councils to reduce mosquito-borne diseases.

Moira Shire Council employs a Mosquito Monitor who provides advice and educational material about reducing mosquito breeding sites around your home and property.

It is often necessary for landowners and land occupiers to manage mosquito numbers through an integrated mosquito management program. Residents also play a role in mosquito management on their own properties by removing mosquito breeding habitats.

In most years, during the months of October to March, mosquitoes can increase in large numbers causing nuisances and at times pose a public health disease risk. They can breed in large numbers after heavy rainfall or flooding events, increasing the risk of disease transmission.

The best way to prevent mosquito-borne diseases is by avoiding mosquito bites. 

  • Cover up: Wear long, loose-fitting clothing. Mozzies can bite through tight clothing. 
  • Use mosquito repellents containing Picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin. 
  • Avoid applying repellent to the hands of babies or young children. You might need to spray or rub repellent on their clothes instead of their skin. Always check the insect repellent label. 
  • Limit outdoor activity if lots of mosquitos are about, or avoid being outdoor during peak mosquito activity, typically dawn and dusk. 
  • Remove stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed around your home or campsite. 
  • Have your doors or windows fitted with mosquito netting or screens. 
  • Use ‘knockdown’ fly spray, mosquito coils or plug-in repellent where you gather to sit or eat outdoors. 

What does our Mosquito Control Program do?

Our aim is to keep you and the community safe from mosquitoes and the diseases they may carry.

  • SURVEILANCE AND MONITORING: During the mosquito season we conduct weekly surveillance and monitor the mosquito populations to identify high risk areas and disease activity. 
  • LARVAL CONTROL: We treat areas of standing water, such as stagnant ponds, ditches and containers. We treat the areas to prevent mosquito larvae from developing into adult mosquitoes. 
  • ADULT CONTROL: In high-risk situations, Moira Shire Council will take proactive steps to address mosquito-borne disease outbreaks. In the situation, communication to the community will increase as we closely follow the guidelines from the Department of Health and Human Services. 
  • There are two common control methods used to combat mosquito-born diseases, barrier spray and fogging. BARRIER SPRAY involves applying insecticides directly to potential mosquito resting areas. The goal is to create a protective barrier that prevents mosquitos from entering a specific area. FOGGING is a technique where insecticides are dispersed as a fine mist or fog over a large area where adult mosquitos are flying or resting. 

Education and Awareness

Community involvement is crucial in controlling mosquitoes. The Department of Health provides educational resources and awareness campaigns to educate residents about mosquito habitats, breeding prevention and personal protection measures.

For more information from the Department of Health visit their website here. 

Mosquito-borne Diseases

In Victoria, the most common viruses transmitted by mosquitoes to humans are Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses. Infections caused by Japanese encephalitis, Murray Valley encephalitis and West Nile (Kunjin) viruses are rare but have the potential to cause severe disease. 
 
There have been five mosquito-borne viruses identified to pose public health risk in Victoria with the potential for local transmission. 
 
These are Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV), Ross River virus (RRV), Barmah Forest virus (BFV) and West Nile virus Kunjin strain (WNV/Kunjin) (otherwise known as Kunjin virus). 
By closely tracking disease activity, we can provide timely information to the community and implement appropriate measures to reduce the risk of transmission.

Myth-busting Facts

Myth: Mosquitoes are attracted to all people equally.
FACT: Mosquitoes are actually attracted to some people more than others. Factors like body heat, carbon dioxide output, fragrances, body wash and sweat can make some individuals more appealing to mosquitoes than others.
 
Myth: Mosquitoes only bite at night.
FACT: While it's true that some mosquito species are more active at night, many mosquitoes are opportunistic and will bite at any time of the day, especially in shaded or damp areas.
 
Myth: Eating bananas attracts mosquitoes.
FACT: There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that eating bananas attracts mosquitoes. Their attraction is primarily based on body chemistry and heat emitted by humans.
 
Myth: Mosquitoes suck blood for nutrition.
FACT: Female mosquitoes feed on blood to obtain proteins necessary for egg development. Their primary source of nutrition is plant nectar, not blood.
 
Myth: Mosquitoes only breed in standing water.
FACT: While standing water is a common breeding ground for mosquitoes, they can also breed in other water sources, such as tree holes, gutters, and even small puddles.
 
Myth: Mosquitoes transmit HIV.
FACT: Mosquitoes do not transmit HIV. The virus cannot survive and replicate inside a mosquito's body, making it impossible for them to transmit the disease.
 
Myth: All mosquitoes transmit diseases.
FACT: While some mosquito species can transmit diseases like JEV, MVE, and RRV, not all mosquitoes are disease carriers. In fact, only a small percentage of mosquito species pose a significant threat to human health.
 
Myth: Bug zappers effectively control mosquito populations.
FACT: Bug zappers may kill some mosquitoes, but they are more effective at attracting and killing other harmless insects. Mosquitoes are less drawn to UV light compared to other flying insects.
 
Myth: Mosquitoes are strong flyers.
FACT: Mosquitoes are weak fliers and can easily be affected by even a light breeze. They are more likely to bite in calm weather conditions.
 
Myth: Citronella candles repel all mosquitoes.
FACT: Citronella candles can be somewhat effective in repelling certain mosquito species for a short distance, but they are not a foolproof solution and may not work against all types of mosquitos.

 

Additional Resources 

For more information on Mosquito health and control, head to www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/protect-yourself-mosquito-borne-disease

 

 

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