The data of pest control expert, Rentokil indicates that mosquito activity is up right across Australia, increasing 216 per cent in November, compared to October recordings.
According to Rentokil, the rise in numbers can be attributed to the La Nina cycle which has brought flooding, with potential increases expected again for outback areas of Western Australia which recently had flooding and areas of North Queensland experiencing flooding.
- Western Australia – saw an 88 per cent decrease in November than in October, but 368 per cent more mosquito activity in December than November
- Victoria – saw a 646 per cent increase on mosquito activity in December compared to October, with a 1152 per cent increase in November compared to October
- New South Wales – saw a 364 per cent increase in November compared to October, however saw a 34 per cent decrease for December compared to October
- Queensland – saw an 81 per cent increase in November compared to October, but a 12 per cent decrease in December compared to October
- South Australia – has bucked the trend, showing high mosquito activity in October but steady decline in November and December
As a leading pest control expert, Rentokil Pest Control services communities across Australia, affording it a comprehensive database on pest activity and trends in the country.
Australian Rural & Regional News asked a few questions of Mark Kendall, Operations Excellence Director, Rentokil Initial
ARR.News: How does Rentokil measure mosquito activity across Australia?
Mark Kendall: Rentokil uses multiple datasets to measure mosquito activity across Australia, including Fly Control Units, External Controls, along with client reports, and on-the-ground observations from technicians.
ARR.News: How comprehensive is your data?
Mark Kendall: Rentokil Pest Control maintains a comprehensive and current database on all types of pest activity across all sectors. Rentokil is also the world’s largest pest control service provider, with operational insights on global pest management.
ARR.News: How do you explain the recent changes in mosquito activity across the states?
Mark Kendall: The rise in mosquito numbers can be attributed to the La Nina cycle, which has brought increased rain and flooding to the east coast. Potential increases can be expected in areas of North Queensland and outback Western Australia, which recently experienced flooding. Humidity and temperature also play a part in the increases, with warmer months driving increases in insect activity each year.
ARR.News: What are the factors that increase mosquito activity?
Mark Kendall: The main factors causing increased mosquito activity are environmental, with conducive conditions on properties driving breeding. Mosquitos require still water to breed, making standing water the number one factor in increased mosquito activity. As mosquito eggs can hatch after only a few days, water doesn’t need to be sitting for long to support an increase in mosquito population.
Wet mulch, blocked drains and gutters, children’s toys, plants, old tyres and disused equipment can all provide breeding grounds for mosquitos, however can all be addressed with treatments suitable around pets, foliage and water storage.
ARR.News: Are you able to determine or estimate the number of disease-carrying mosquitos, and the type of disease?
Mark Kendall: Rentokil does not test mosquitos for diseases carried.
ARR.News: Are there factors that increase the risk of disease-carrying mosquitos more than other mosquitos?
Mark Kendall: There are more than 300 mosquito species found in Australia, some of which bite and others that pose a general nuisance. Female mosquitos are responsible for the bites we suffer, with these bites also having the potential to carry fatal disease.
However not every mosquito within a species is a carrier and transmitter of diseases.
At Rentokil, we can tailor customised mosquito management solutions for your business or home, helping reduce your exposure to mosquitoes, mosquito bites and the health risks they pose.
ARR.News: How far and quickly do (disease-carrying) mosquitos travel?
Mark Kendall: Due to their light frame, mosquitos can been moved large distances from a breeding area on strong wind currents.
ARR.News: How long does it take for a relevant weather event to affect mosquito numbers?
Mark Kendall: Dependent on the species, the egg, larva and pupa stages of the mosquito life cycle can be as short as eight days, meaning increased mosquito activity could be experienced within two weeks.
ARR.News: When might people with high levels of mosquitos about hope that they may reduce?
Mark Kendall: While La Nina is expected to continue during the early months of 2023, people living in areas with high levels of mosquito activity can take action to interrupt breeding opportunities through the removal of standing water on their premises, and through targeted treatments at the right time. Keeping foliage under control and lawns mowed will minimise areas for mosquitoes to alight and rest during the day. Use mosquito repellent, keep doors and windows closed and use screened protection to prevent ingress.
ARR.News: Noting that country people often have more standing water sources (many of which may not be readily accessible) and animals, what can they realistically do to reduce or minimise the risk of mosquitos, in particular disease-carrying mosquitos?
Mark Kendall: It’s important to proactively check water sources for signs of mosquito activity and, where possible, remove items that may collect water or turn them upside down to prevent water build up.
Rentokil’s comprehensive mosquito control solutions are effective against all stages of the mosquito life cycle and also prevent further reproduction of larvae.
Ranging from a one-off treatment to a long-term mosquito management program, our mosquito control services can be tailored to home environments, to large-scale wetlands and water bodies. Rentokil offers free mosquito control quotes: https://www.rentokil.com/au/services/pest-control-services/mosquito-control
