Published on Thursday, 18 January 2018 at 12:00:00 AM
Following the recent heavy rains the Town of Port Hedland's Environmental Health team have been taking steps to minimise mosquito numbers, including completing detailed inspections of all standing water sites and applying baits to prevent mosquito larvae from emerging into adults.
This week they will be undertaking comprehensive mosquito monitoring activities, allowing the team to identify areas where mosquito numbers have increased so they can complete further pest control activities to those areas.
Significant larviciding activities have commenced in standing water bodies across Hedland, with over 700 chemical applications this week, in an effort to reduce the amount of mosquitos developing into adults and impacting residents. The Town has also undertaken considerable works to remove ponding water from areas where mosquito breeding is prevalent further reducing future impacts on the community.
The Towns Environmental Health team will continue to undertake both treatment and monitoring works and if mosquito numbers are seen to have increased, fogging operations will be undertaken
You can follow a few simple tips to support the Town of Port Hedland’s mosquito minimisation activities.
- Emptying any unwanted and standing water from containers especially old tyres and drums
- Keeping ornamental ponds stocked with mosquito-eating fish e.g. goldfish
- Keeping swimming pools well chlorinated and filtered, as well as free from leaves
- Filling or draining depressions in the ground that hold water
- Screening rainwater tanks with insect proof mesh
- Ensuring guttering does not hold water
- Emptying pot plant drip trays once a week or fill with sand
- Reporting other areas of breeding (outside your property) to the environmental health services for treatment
Mosquitoes can transmit various diseases such as Ross River Virus, Barmah Forrest Virus, Kunjin Virus and Murray Valley Encephalitis. Eliminating potential breeding sites for mosquitoes is essential in preventing the spread of these diseases.
In times of high mosquito activity the community are advised to protect themselves by:
- Minimising outdoor exposure especially at dawn and dusk unless adequately protected
- Wearing loose clothing covering arms and legs when outdoors
- Avoid camping and outdoor activities adjacent to known mosquito areas such as mangroves and low lying areas
- Using a personal repellent containing diethyl toluamide (DEET) or picaridin
- Ensuring insect screens are installed to any openings of your house and are in good condition
More information is available by calling the Town of Port Hedland Environment and Community Safety on 9158 9300 or emailcouncil@porthedland.wa.gov.au
For media information
Laura Hawes, Senior Communications Officer
(08) 9158 9365
lhawes@porthedland.wa.gov.au
Back to All News