CONTROLLING mosquito numbers could be paramount in the coming months after heavy rainfall and flooding created ideal breeding conditions in Bendigo and northern Victoria.
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Gannawarra Shire Council has started its mosquito control programs across northern Victoria one month earlier than usual in response to the potentially heightened risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
Residents in Bendigo have also reported increased numbers of mosquitoes at various locations as water continues to pool.
Gannawarra Shire started surveillance work in Kerang, Cohuna, Leitchville and Quambatook to analyse the risk of disease in the 2016-17 summer, and further into autumn 2017. The work involves trapping adult mosquitoes.
The shire has also encouraged residents to reduce the number of potential breeding sites.
Community health manager Narelle O’Donoghue said mosquitoes could breed in ponds that have only existed for a few days.
“Mosquitoes generally don’t move far from where they breed and one small pond of water can produce thousands of mosquitoes each week,” said Mrs O’Donoghue.
“One way everyone can help is to walk around their yard and empty any containers that hold water for more than a few days.”
Northern Victorian mosquitoes have been known to carry the Ross River disease and the Barmah Forest virus disease.
Measures to reduce mosquito breeding sites include disposing of old tyres and other water-holding rubbish, either emptying swimming pools or keeping them full and properly maintained, overturning boats, and emptying bird baths and pet drinking water once a week.
Residents are also encouraged to wear good quality repellent and to cover up exposed skin, particularly at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Repellents containing DEET or Picaridin are the most effective.