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City of Greater Shepparton
URL: http://www.greatershepparton.com.au/residents/health/mosquito/
Mosquito Control Program
Adult mosquito trapping.
Example of site monitored for mosquito larvae.
The Greater Shepparton City Council’s mosquito control program began in 1974 after a statewide outbreak of Murray Valley Encephalitis. The program is jointly funded by the Victorian Department of Human Services and runs from November to April each year.
The Mosquito Monitor and Control Program assists in early detection and control of arboviruses by providing surveillance, mosquito control and development of a disease control plan.
What does our Mosquito Control Program do?
- Adult mosquito trapping is conducted weekly at 4 permanent locations chosen to represent different environments within the municipality. Mosquitoes caught in the traps are sent to the Department of Primary Industries in Attwood, Melbourne for identification. Data from this program provides valuable information on long term trends in mosquito populations and disease outbreak patterns.
- Council employs a Mosquito Monitor and Control Officer who provides advice and educational material about reducing mosquito breeding sites around your home and property.
- A sentinel chickens program provides early virus detection (this service is provided by the Victorian Department of Primary Industries).
- Approximately 120 larval sites are regularly sampled for the presence of larvae. Larvae monitoring provides useful localized data on which mosquito species are present and their population levels. Sites monitored include; drains, swamps, lagoons, ephemeral creeks and depressions.
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Example of sites monitored for mosquito larvae | |
- We do not spray for adult mosquitoes; it is more efficient and safer for the environment if we control mosquito breeding during the more vulnerable larval and pupal stages.
- Council is continually looking at site improvements and re-engineering of drains to reduce the incidence of mosquito breeding in the City of Greater Shepparton.
More In This Section
The term arbovirus is derived from; arthropod borne viruses.
Worldwide there are over 400 arboviruses distinguishable by serological procedures. In South-eastern Australia we are mainly concerned with 3 viral diseases.
The mosquito life-cycle begins with an adult female mosquito laying about 20-30 eggs on the water surface or dependant on species, above the receding water level where they can remain for up to two years awaiting favourable conditions.
Advice on personal protective measures and control of mosquitoes around the home/environment.
A collection of web links related to adult mosquito trap locations, arbovirus information, mosquito control programs and more.