Mosquito Management

There are approximately 100 species of mosquitoes in Western Australia (WA), a number of which are serious pests and/or disease vectors. Effective mosquito management can help to minimise the public health risk and impact on amenity associated with mosquitoes.

Mosquito management is only necessary if people and mosquitoes come into contact, either in residential or recreational areas that are within the dispersal range of mosquito breeding habitats. The overall aim of mosquito management is to reduce pest or vector mosquitoes to a level where the impact on the adjacent human population is kept to an acceptable level.

Effective mosquito management aims to:

  • employ an integrated approach, combining various management strategies (chemical, physical, cultural and biological)
  • minimise the interaction between mosquitoes and the public
  • minimise the risk of mosquito-borne disease transmission
  • remain environmentally and economically sustainable.

Different mosquito species have different breeding habitat requirements. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in or near a water source, which can be either fresh, brackish or saline, depending on the species. They prefer standing water in both natural and/or man-made water bodies.

Natural habitats include:
  • salt marsh 
  • lakes 
  • swamps
  • ground pools
  • irrigation ditches
  • tree holes
  • leaf axils (crevice formed between stem of plant and leaf).

In urban environments, particularly backyards, mosquitoes breed in range of water-holding containers. The removal or maintenance of these sites can significantly reduce mosquito numbers. Common examples include:

  • pot plant drip trays
  • septic and water tanks
  • roof gutters
  • ponds
  • disused containers
  • poorly maintained swimming pools
  • dog water bowls
  • disused car tyres.

Mosquito Management Strategies

Mosquito management strategies will vary depending on the situation, nature and extent of the mosquito problem, environmental constraints and available resources. 

Key strategies include: 

  • physical (eg. source reduction by filling, draining or removing breeding sites)
  • biological (eg. introduction of aquatic predators to reduce mosquito larvae)
  • chemical (eg. application of insecticides, including adulticides or larvicides)
  • cultural (eg. land use planning considerations, promoting community awareness and encouraging the general public to adopt practices to avoid mosquito bites).

It is important to integrate a variety of management strategies into your program. Avoiding the reliance on a single strategy will help to prevent many of the problems inherent with long-term control, such as the development of chemical resistance.
For more information or enquiries, please contact the Shire on 9671 2500 or shire@wongan.wa.gov.au