Spray it: Pest controller Nino Caminiti treats vacant grassland.
ERIN PEARSON
SWARMS of the dangerous Tiger mosquito have begun infesting parts of the Bellarine Peninsula, according to a leading pest control expert.
Grovedale pest controller Cameron Skedd warned the “risk area” included popular beach resorts from Barwon Heads and Queenscliff to Portarlington.
He said the notorious pests recently migrated in large numbers from their traditional breeding grounds in Gippsland.
“Unlike most other mosquitos, the Tiger can breed in salt water and it can breed all year round.
“This means mozzies are with us 52 weeks a year – not just the summer months,” he said.
Mr Skedd said the Peninsula offered a perfect environment for the Tiger.
”Lakes, waterways and low lying wetlands, like those between Point Lonsdale and Ocean Grove, are ideal breeding grounds for this species.”
Mr Skedd also warned large numbers of midges were on their way to Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula.
“Midge swarms have been recently found in the Western District and they’re heading east.
“The strong summer and autumn rains have ensured they had a really good breeding cycle this year.”
Mr Skedd said it was important householders took steps to stop the pests breeding on their property.
“Anywhere there is static or stagnant water is a potential breeding place,” Mr Skedd said.
“Things like old tyres, buckets, wheelie bins and pot plant holders should be emptied of water.”
He advised water tanks should be fitted with mesh screens to deny mosquitos and midges access and that vegetable oil should be lightly applied to the surface of the water.
Geelong infectious diseases specialist Mr Dan O’Brien said mosquitos could cause a number of serious ailments.
“The Ross River virus is always of great concern.
”It causes great pain in the joints and its debilitating effects can last years,” he said.
“Also, there is the Bairnsdale Ulcer – there was an outbreak on the Peninsula recently.
“With all mosquito bites there is the chance of secondary infection,” he said.
Mr O’Brien said midge bites could cause serious blistering and weeping of the skin and, like mosquito bites, carried the risk of secondary infection.
“The symptoms can often take many weeks to clear up,” he said.
“There are plenty of good reasons to avoid these dangerous pests,” Mr O’Brien said.
