Town commences intensive fogging schedule for the week

Published on Tuesday, 21 July 2026 at 2:50:34 PM

The Town is aware that many residents have noticed an increase in mosquito activity in recent weeks. Seasonal and environmental conditions have created ideal breeding conditions, resulting in higher mosquito numbers than usual. To help reduce mosquito populations, the Town's Environmental Health team is continuing its mosquito fogging program as a priority.

However, treatments will be planned on a daily basis this week - and will rotate between South Hedland (including Shay Gap, Shoata and Rural Estates), Port Hedland and Wedgefield, with some treatments also occurring in the early morning. Fogging is highly dependent on weather conditions, particularly wind. It is not practical to predetermine an exact fogging route, as the wind largely dictates how the fog disperses.

Residents are advised that fogging operations are heavily influenced by weather conditions, particularly wind. As wind direction and strength determine how the fog disperses and can vary significantly within urban areas and from day to day, it is not practical to predetermine an exact treatment route. As a result, routes and schedules may need to be adjusted to ensure fogging is delivered effectively and achieves the best possible coverage.

The Town will keep the community informed of upcoming treatment areas.

Important information for the Port Hedland area:

    • Significant areas of Port Hedland are located adjacent to the ocean and estuarine environments. While the product used for mosquito fogging is approved for use in public, urban and open spaces, some research indicates that direct application to marine ecosystems may pose environmental risks.

    • As a precaution, the Town takes measures to minimise the potential for fog to drift into aquatic environments. This means some locations near sensitive waterways are excluded from fogging activities. However, reducing mosquito populations across the broader treatment area helps lower mosquito numbers throughout the Town, including in nearby untreated areas.

    • In these environmentally sensitive locations, the Town's Environmental Health team implements alternative mosquito control treatments that are better suited to the surrounding environment.

    While fogging is underway, residents are encouraged to close doors and windows to minimise the fog odour entering homes. The products used are approved for use in streets and public areas and are considered safe when applied as directed; however, the odour may linger if it enters a property.

    While these treatments help reduce mosquito numbers, residents are also encouraged to take personal precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Residents are also encouraged to collect a free Coopex residual sachet for treatment around their home. These are available to collect at the Civic Centre on McGregor Street or the Wedgefield Depot.

    The Town appreciates the community's patience and understanding as this important program continues and remains committed to protecting public health.

    For more information on Mosquito Awareness or FAQ's, please click here: Mosquito Management » Town of Port Hedland

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