Published on Monday, 17 May 2021 at 7:38:25 PM
The Shire of Ashburton's mosquito management plan targets mosquito issues following recommended best practice methods in line with the health risk that mosquitoes can and may present to the community,
Fogging is considered as a last resort to prevent mosquito disease transmission and will only be considered if there is an imminent risk of Ross River Virus and high numbers of mosquitoes in the community.
Currently our surveillance program is detecting low numbers of mosquitoes and is not considered appropriate to fog at this time, due to the general nature of fogging chemicals, whereby any invertebrate they effect will be killed.
However, we understand that any number of mosquitoes can be a problematic.
We encourage all community members to take the time to familiarise themselves with the fight the bite campaign from the Department of Health that explains ways that you can protect yourself like Cover up, Repel, Clean up.
We are aware of the rumours surrounding a Ross River Virus (RRV) outbreak in Onslow. As of today (17 May 2021) the Department of Health’s last reported case of RRV in Onslow was in May 2020. RRV is a notifiable disease and is reported to the Department of Health upon diagnosis.
There are residual sprays that can be purchased from your local hardware store to help reduce numbers in and around your home. These sprays may be applied to the outside of the home and surrounding vegetation.
Biting midge are present at similar times to mosquitos, dusk & dawn, and are a nuisance. Fogging will not stop the biting midges as once the fog settles, they will return. The Department of Health website has further information on biting midge. Visit healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Biting-midges
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