Mosquito Trapping Program

Published on 17 November 2022

Horsham Rural City Council is monitoring mosquito numbers, which have risen after heavy rain fall and increased bodies of water. 

Environmental Health Co-ordinator, Luke Mitton said Council was pushing forward with a mosquito management program. 

“Council is continuing to monitor adult mosquito numbers. The program, funded by Department of Health and Human Services has continued over the winter due to the risk of Japanese Encephalitis Virus in Victoria," he said.

"Council conducts weekly overnight trapping of adult mosquitoes at key locations around Horsham and Natimuk. Adult mosquitoes are sent away to identify their species and test for mosquito borne viruses.

"Recent flooding has caused a rapid increase in mosquito numbers within the municipality, the two predominant species that have been trapped over the past month are Culex Australicus and Culex Globocoxitus.

"Fortunately these particular species prefer to bite birds, but have been known to bite humans. They are also capable of transmitting Murray Valley Encephalitis and Ross River Virus," Mr Mitton said.

Council is continuing to treat breeding sites within the municipality in an effort to reduce adult mosquito numbers, but flooding and continued rain make it difficult to treat all breeding sites within the municipality.

Mr Mitton continued to encourage residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites, by using mosquito repellent, wearing loose clothing and avoiding the outdoors during dawn and dusk.

"Residents should also ensure that they remove any stagnant water from around them home by emptying out pot plants, pet bowls, tyres, fire pits and gutters, and to use mosquito coils around the home,” he said.