Mosquitoes in the Environment Your Council’s Mosquito Management What Can You Do? Rainwater Tank Checklist Mosquitoes can affect many areas, Control Program Control options You can help reduce mosquitoes by taking Rainwater tanks, if not installed correctly can particularly those near waterways and other Your council has a mosquito control program include chemical, some simple steps to remove mosquito produce large numbers of mosquitoes. Use water sources. that runs throughout the year. These physical and breeding habitats around your home. this checklist to ensure you are not breeding biological mosquitoes. They have the potential to cause nuisance programs are made up of four primary measures: techniques. Dispose of all containers that and transmit diseases. The risk and hold water. Is there a seal between the roof and main body A range of factors nuisance levels they pose can change 1. Source Reduction of the tank? depending on environmental conditions and including the Stock ornamental ponds with 2. Monitoring and Investigation the type of mosquito. severity of the mosquito larvae eating fish such as 3. Management mosquito problem, goldfish. Keep vegetation away from The continued development of areas in the water’s edge. 4. Education environmental close proximity to mosquito habitat has also conditions and Keep swimming pools well compounded the problem. impacts on the chlorinated, filtered and free of Is there a mesh cover on the inlet pipe? dead leaves. Mosquito numbers can vary significantly environment are from year to year. Different climatic factors Monitoring and Investigation considered when deciding the best control Level or drain depressions in the measures to be implemented. such as temperature, high tides and rainfall Each council regularly monitors known ground that hold water. can greatly influence growth cycles. breeding sites within their district. Some pesticides are not target specific and Fit mosquito-proof covers to vent may have adverse effects on other beneficial pipes on septic tank systems. Seal Monitoring is usually conducted by setting Is there a mesh cover on the overflow pipe? fauna. Larvicides are preferred as they are all gaps around the lid and ensure Your Council Working adult traps and inspecting water bodies for leach drains are completely covered. more target specific and do not affect other mosquito larvae. Public complaints or reports in Partnership with its organisms in the environment. Screen rainwater tanks with Neighbours of an infectious disease such as Ross River insect‑proof mesh, including inlet, virus may lead to an investigation being The traditional method of ‘Fogging’ is not overflow and inspection ports. Mosquitoes do not recognise local undertaken. usually used in metropolitan area due to its Ensure guttering is not blocked and government boundaries. Breeding in one effect on other organisms. does not hold water. Is the man-hole lid adequately sealed? area may affect residents in another. Adult mosquitoes are trapped, counted and Empty pot plant drip trays once a Source Reduction identified to species. This helps determine Education week or fill with sand. Empty and The Cities of Bayswater, Belmont and Swan where they may be breeding and if the clean animal and pet drinking water and the Towns of Bassendean and Vic Park Source Reduction strategies are intended to numbers are higher than normal. Despite best efforts, mosquito problems may bowls once a week. are working in partnership to address this eliminate mosquito breeding sites. arise from time to time, particularly following Some plants (especially bromeliads) problem. Treatment will be undertaken where breeding higher than average rainfall or tides. If you answered NO to any of the above They attempt to ensure water does not hold water in their leaf axils. These is identified. During the warmer months should also be emptied weekly. questions, then your tank has the potential This partnership ensures information and accumulate and allow mosquitoes to breed. Education strategies are designed to inform treatments are ongoing. to breed mosquitoes. resources are shared and that issues Examples include improved stormwater and empower the community to take their Residual chemical sprays can be used to are addressed regardless of boundaries. design and maintenance, filling depressions, If the breeding occurs on private land the own actions to minimise the effects of further reduce mosquitoes. This should not, Funding is sourced directly from the removing disused material such as old tyres Local Government can require the owner to mosquitoes. They can include warnings at however, replace the removal and prevention Department of Health, thereby minimising and ensuring structures such as swimming take action to eliminate these breeding sites, known problem areas or general information of backyard breeding sites which is a more the financial burden to residents. pools and gutters are properly maintained. such as disused pool, gutters, car tyres etc. and advice. effective control method. What Type of Mosquito Further Information is Annoying You? If you have any questions or wish to report There are almost 100 different species of suspected mosquito breeding sites please mosquito in WA. The 4 main types found in contact an Environmental Health Officer at Mosquito the east swan river region are listed below. your local authority. Management Can you identify the mosquito biting you? Town of Bassendean Town of Bassendean Southern Saltmarsh Mosquito Aedes camptorhynchus 48 Old Perth Road, Bassendean in the East Swan River Region This species is prevalent in areas 9377 8000 near the Swan River in winter and [email protected] spring and is able to breed in both Avoid Being Bitten www.bassendean.wa.gov.au fresh and salt water. This mosquito There are a number of things you can do to can disperse over long distances City of Bayswater especially through bushland or along help avoid being affected by mosquitoes. creek lines. 61 Broun Avenue, Morley ŸŸ Recognise and avoid areas of mosquito 9272 0622 What if I Am Bitten? City of Bayswater Summer Saltmarsh Mosquito Aedes vigilax activity e.g. swamps, salt marshes, [email protected] Is very abundant at times in areas near the Swan River billabongs and river floodplains particularly The main mosquito-borne disease risks to www.bayswater.wa.gov.au during summer and into autumn. It breeds in salt water especially that which is left behind around sunrise and sunset. people in the East Swan River Region are City of Belmont after spring tides and storm surge. ŸŸ Use repellents containing DEET (diethyl Ross River virus and Barmah Forrest virus. 215 Wright Street, Cloverdale An aggressive day time biter and toluamide) or Picaridin and ensure they are 9477 7222 will repeatedly try to feed on hosts. Symptoms include joint pains and swelling, [email protected] This mosquito is known to disperse used as per manufacturer’s instruction. sore muscles, rash, fever and fatigue. www.belmont.wa.gov.au over very long distances from its breeding site. ŸŸ Wear loose fitting and preferably light Symptoms may persist for several weeks or City of Belmont City of Swan coloured clothing which covers as much of even months in unlucky individuals. If you 2 Midland Square, Midland Domestic Container Mosquito Aedes notoscriptus do suffer any of these symptoms you should This mosquito prefers relatively clean fresh water. It your body as possible. 9267 9267 contact your GP. [email protected] naturally breeds in tree and rock holes filled by rain but is ŸŸ Plan outdoor activities. If you are hosting also often found around the home www.swan.wa.gov.au breeding in receptacles like buckets, an outdoor BBQ have repellent available The risk of contracting these diseases is low tyres, pot plant bases, bird baths and for your guests. They may not have for most people in the metropolitan area, Town of Victoria Park plants like bromeliads which hold thought ahead and you want to make sure although there may be a slightly increased 99 Shepperton Rd, Victoria Park water after watering. It mostly bites your function is remembered for the right 9311 8111 around dusk and does not disperse risk in rural areas. Whilst the disease risk [email protected] City of Swan over long distances. reasons. might be low the annoyance factor can still www.victoriapark.wa.gov.au be very high. Common Banded Mosquito Culex annulirostris ŸŸ Screen all doors and windows on your Environmental Health Hazards This mosquito likes to breed in warm fresh water that house and make sure there are no holes or Department 1a Brockway Rd, Mt Claremont may be permanent or temporary. It breeds over much tears. of Health 9285 5500 of the year but particularly after [email protected] heavy summer rain. It mainly bites ŸŸ Consider using residual surface sprays www.health.wa.gov.au in the evening after sunset and on structures particularly in shaded and can disperse long distances from freshwater wetlands. sheltered areas. Use as per manufacturers This document is available in alternative formats Town of Victoria Park instruction. upon request to your local government authority.