Council is reminding the community to remain vigilant following an increase in mosquito trappings as part of the NSW Arbovirus Surveillance and Mosquito Monitoring Program.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said this is the third year Council has participated in the program.  

“Mosquitos are a nuisance, but unfortunately, we have to live with them and there are some environments on the Beaches which are more prone to them.

“While nothing sinister has been reported in the trappings in the last few months, the numbers are up on previous years due to increased rain this summer as a result of La Niña.

“Fortunately, while the counts have been high, these numbers have mostly been nuisance biters and not species that usually transmit viral infections.

“Please remain vigilant in areas of concern around our wetlands and bushland habitats by wearing appropriate clothing to minimise skin exposure, use mosquito repellent and be aware that mosquito peak times are dawn and dusk.

“Also be aware of removing optimal breeding areas in your backyard including water-holding items like containers, kids toys and even pot plant trays.” Mayor Regan said.

During both December and January weekly mosquito counts have been between medium (50-100) and high (101-1000 per trap) throughout the trapping season and it is expected to remain this way due to current weather patterns.

The two key species (Culex annulirostris, Aedes vigilax) that are associated transmission of viral infections like Ross River Virus or Barmah Forest virus have only been present on the Northern Beaches in lower numbers than previous seasons with some higher numbers recorded in other parts of the State.

Mosquito monitoring is currently being undertaken at Warriewood Wetlands and near Deep Creek near the Narrabeen Lagoon trail.

The program kicked off in November 2021 and will run through until 30 April 2022.

The Northern Beaches Council Mosquito Management Plan is available here.

Check out this NSW Health page for more tips on how to control mosquitoes around the home and the weekly surveillance results of the program can be viewed on the NSW Health website.