We focus on monitoring mosquito levels and managing mosquito larvae.

The major components of our program are:

Monitoring

Our staff monitor mosquito breeding sites around the Bellarine Peninsula to check for mosquito larvae. Depending on the number of larvae detected at the site, a decision is made as to whether the site requires treatment.

Ground treatment

If breeding sites are easily accessible, ground crews can treat the area manually. Breeding sites like pits, drains and constructed wetlands around built-up areas can be treated by ground based methods. 

Aerial Treatment

An agricultural drone will be used to treat large breeding sites such as the Port Phillip Bay and Bellarine Peninsula Ramsar wetlands. The drone has a hopper that can carry and disperse solid form larvicide. The City is currently working with private and state landowners around the Ramsar wetlands to be able to begin aerial drone treatments. There is no scheduled start date for the drone treatments, as agreements with landowners must be in place before treatments can begin. On City owned land, drone treatments have already been used to effectively manage mosquito numbers. This method of treatment will allow for focused application and minimising overall product utilisation.

Light trapping

Mosquito light trapping is done at various sites to monitor adult mosquito levels and movement of mosquito borne diseases in our community. The number of mosquitoes caught in each trap gives us an indication of the mosquito levels in a particular area. Light traps are a surveillance tool and are not used to reduce the overall mosquito population.

Community Education

Each year we respond to over 100 enquiries from the public regarding high numbers of mosquitoes in our community and how we control them.  We also provide information to schools and community groups as required.