Health authorities have begun an aerial survey and spraying program around Darwin to combat a predicted explosion in mosquito numbers.

A combination of high tides and rain has created ideal breeding conditions for salt-marsh mosquitoes in coastal areas across the Top End.

Director of Medical Entomology, Nina Kurucz, said the upsurge in numbers of Aedes vigilax, or salt-marsh mosquitoes, was expected to begin from October 26 and last at least 10 days.

Salt-marsh mosquitoes carry the viruses for the debilitating Ross River and Barmah Forest disease.

“A combination of the recent high tides and rain has seen mosquitoes deposit large numbers of eggs in breeding areas, which we expect to hatch simultaneously,” Ms Kurucz said.  

“The Department of Health has responded by launching a plan involving a large-scale mosquito survey and aerial spraying around Leanyer, Holmes Jungle, Micket Creek and Shoal Bay swamps.

“There is also a ground-based control component to our strategy involving Health Department and Parks and Wildlife personnel in areas including Casuarina Coastal Reserve, the Botanic Gardens and Charles Darwin National Park.

“However, there will still be a huge influx of mosquitoes from outside the control areas which will affect Darwin, Palmerston and rural coastal areas.”

Top End residents are advised to protect themselves from bites by covering up, using repellents and staying indoors when mosquito numbers are high.

“Although the high risk period for Ross River virus does not start until December, people need to protect themselves, as the disease can be contracted all year round.”

Ms Kurucz said since September the Department of Health had had conducted aeriel spraying on about 340 hectares of salt marsh mosquito breeding areas.

“We will continue this effort until the breeding areas are fully flooded, which will prevent Aedes vigilax mosquitoes from depositing eggs on moist mud.”

People in the Top End experiencing mosquito pest problems are advised to:

• avoid locations near coastal swamps and mangrove areas
• use mosquito-proof accommodation and camping facilities at night
• wear light-coloured clothing with long sleeves, long trousers and socks between dusk and dawn in areas where mosquito bites are likely
• use a protective repellent containing 20 per cent DEET or Picaridin as a supplement to protective clothing, with creams providing best protection
• use mosquito coils, mosquito lanterns, and barrier sprays containing bifenthrin in patio and outdoor areas near houses
• ensure children and animals are adequately protected against mosquito bites.

 A salt marsh mosquito pest calendar is available on the Department of Health website.

Media Contact: Fred McCue 0401 119 792