Mosquito invasion causes major safety concern in one state
By
Danielle F.
- Replies 55
Bustling cities are often abuzz with people going about their day.
However, citizens in a city's southwest area have been hearing an unwelcome whirring from a disease-carrying insect, keeping them on the edge.
A mosquito invasion has swept through Sydney, which immediately prompted public health concerns and a response from local authorities.
Locals have been staying indoors since the swarming, as stepping outside could be a gamble with health.
'We're inundated. It's like a plague,' Chipping Norton resident Elizabeth Clonaris lamented.
'We can't step outside of our front doors and can't hang clothes outside.'
'It's not just Chipping Norton that's affected. It's Wattle Grove, it's Hammondville, it's Moorebank,' Ms Clonaris added.
NSW Health Pathology Scientist Cameron Webb warned about mosquito-borne diseases.
'They can spread pathogens that can make you sick, like the Ross River virus,' Webb stated.
In the face of this buzzing menace, residents have adopted unconventional tactics to fight off the swarming.
'We make sure we use a blower to go outside to get rid of the mozzies,' resident Brian Milankovic shared.
Southwest local Therese Stewart has since started buying citronella by the litre and uses an average of two bottles of insect spray daily.
Recognising the gravity of the situation, Liverpool City Council immediately whipped out an outbreak response plan.
'Wherever this problem lies, we will identify what the root cause is, and we will work together to ensure the residents are looked after,' the council's Acting CEO, Jason Breton, assured community members.
The council's multi-pronged strategy included:
NSW Health has been assigned to monitor possible mosquito hotspots in the Chipping Norton area.
The council has also reached out to homeowners who have neglected swimming pools.
They urged them to clean or drain pools, as they could become mosquito breeding sites.
They also highlighted the importance of eliminating stagnant water in homes, often seen in pot plant saucers, bird baths, roof gutters, and rainwater tanks.
The council compiled a comprehensive list of advice and recommended products on its Community Response page—which could protect anyone from the current infestation and reduce the risk of future outbreaks.
Have you experienced similar issues in your area? What measures have you found effective in combating mosquito invasions? Share your stories and tips in the comments below.
However, citizens in a city's southwest area have been hearing an unwelcome whirring from a disease-carrying insect, keeping them on the edge.
A mosquito invasion has swept through Sydney, which immediately prompted public health concerns and a response from local authorities.
Locals have been staying indoors since the swarming, as stepping outside could be a gamble with health.
'We're inundated. It's like a plague,' Chipping Norton resident Elizabeth Clonaris lamented.
'We can't step outside of our front doors and can't hang clothes outside.'
'It's not just Chipping Norton that's affected. It's Wattle Grove, it's Hammondville, it's Moorebank,' Ms Clonaris added.
NSW Health Pathology Scientist Cameron Webb warned about mosquito-borne diseases.
'They can spread pathogens that can make you sick, like the Ross River virus,' Webb stated.
In the face of this buzzing menace, residents have adopted unconventional tactics to fight off the swarming.
'We make sure we use a blower to go outside to get rid of the mozzies,' resident Brian Milankovic shared.
Southwest local Therese Stewart has since started buying citronella by the litre and uses an average of two bottles of insect spray daily.
Recognising the gravity of the situation, Liverpool City Council immediately whipped out an outbreak response plan.
'Wherever this problem lies, we will identify what the root cause is, and we will work together to ensure the residents are looked after,' the council's Acting CEO, Jason Breton, assured community members.
The council's multi-pronged strategy included:
- Trapping mosquitoes in hot spots
- Identifying species and management options
- Spraying larvicide in public areas and the insect's natural habitats
NSW Health has been assigned to monitor possible mosquito hotspots in the Chipping Norton area.
The council has also reached out to homeowners who have neglected swimming pools.
They urged them to clean or drain pools, as they could become mosquito breeding sites.
They also highlighted the importance of eliminating stagnant water in homes, often seen in pot plant saucers, bird baths, roof gutters, and rainwater tanks.
The council compiled a comprehensive list of advice and recommended products on its Community Response page—which could protect anyone from the current infestation and reduce the risk of future outbreaks.
Key Takeaways
- Southwest Sydney has been experiencing a significant mosquito infestation.
- Citizens raised concerns about the potential health impacts of the increasing mosquito population.
- The Liverpool City Council has already released an outbreak response plan and has collaborated with several offices to inspect possible mosquito breeding spots.
- The council also advised residents to eliminate any mosquito breeding sites on their property, such as pools, bird baths and rainwater tanks, among others.