This season has been particularly challenging due to the high level of mosquito breeding activity that has occurred.
The main driver for mosquito breeding in the Peel region is tidal water surges into the Peel-Harvey Estuary.
Due to the La Nina effect, we have experienced winter type tides that have persisted through summer and into autumn.
Vast areas of pooled water around the Estuary have increased the size of breeding areas and warm weather has sped up mosquito larvae development into adults. This has resulted in greater influxes of mosquitoes in residential areas.
The Peel region has experienced its worst mosquito conditions and numbers in 10 years, with the persistent presence of the ‘summer mosquito’ which travels further, bites more often and is more active during the day than other mosquitoes.
Ross River Virus activity has also been more active this year compared to other years.