Mosquito numbers to soar in SE Queensland due to ‘perfect breeding conditions’

Queensland is set to be hit by a mozzie invasion, an expert has warned. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The number of mosquitoes is set to explode over coming weeks, as experts warn there are “high numbers” of the bloodsucking insect in the South East right now with the volume only expected to rise.

Griffith University vector biologist Dr Eloise Skinner said people were experiencing a high number of mosquitoes in their homes at the moment.

“The reason for that is clearly because of the weather system that we’ve been having lately,” she said.

“So the really nice combination of hot days and wet days is the perfect breeding conditions for mosquitoes.

“We’ve really seen that in the last couple of weeks and it usually takes about two weeks after a rain event for us to get hit with those really high numbers of mosquitoes, which is about now.”

The number of mosquitoes is set to explode in the state’s South East.

Dr Skinner said the high numbers would also continue for a further few weeks.

Even with El Nino weather, high numbers were still expected.

“As it’s getting warmer and wetter, we will see a lot more but they are also predicting that we’re going to hit kind of a bit of a dry spell in the new year,” Dr Skinner said.

“They might drop off for a bit, but even in dry environments, we see high numbers of mosquitoes because people start using rainwater tanks and more kind of drought measures of storing water.

“So those mosquitoes love those kinds of human habitats that we recreate for them.”

Dr Skinner said there were 50 species of mosquitoes in Brisbane, but they all had different breeding habitats and feeding behaviours.

Culex annuilrostris and Aedes notoscriptus were the two prominent breeders that responded to rainfall and warm weather.

Shizuka and James Ward protected themselves from mosquito bites by spraying repellent before going for a walk along Freshwater Creek at Goomboora Park, Brinsmead. Picture: Brendan Radke

Dr Skinner said the species were vectors of diseases such as Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus, but it was not until midsummer that we usually saw an increase. A Queensland Health spokesman said while Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus were the most common cases, last year there were cases of Japanese enephalitius virus that could recur.

From January 1 to October 15, there have been 162 Barmah Forest virus cases compared to the 2018-22 mean of 199.

“There are simple things people can do to protect themselves from mosquito bites, including

wearing loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and covered footwear, and an effective insect repellent on exposed skin when outside,” the spokesman said.

There are 50 species of mosquitoes in Brisbane, but they all have different breeding habitats and feeding behaviours.

“Covering doors and windows with insect screens (and) make sure insect screens are in good condition with no visible damage.

“Use mosquito nets if doors and windows are not fitted with insect screens, particularly in sleeping areas.”

TWO PROMINENT BRISBANE SPECIES RIGHT NOW:

Aedes notoscriptus

Where they breed: Breeds in man-made water containers (e.g. gardening pots, tyres, cups). This species stays close to the breeding habitat, only travelling about 100m.

Reduce bites: Reduce their numbers by tipping water containers in and around your neighbourhood.

Culex annuilrostris

Where they breed: Culex species tend to prefer larger, stagnant bodies of water such as ditches and children’s wading pools.

Reduce bites: Wear protective clothing and insect repellents and use window screens. If you find active larvae in your local area or parkland, contact council.

ANOTHER SPECIES DOMINANT IN BRISBANE

Aedes vigilax

Where they breed: Saltwater marsh environments, in and around mangroves or brackish water environments. They have been documented to travel far on the wind, up to 50km from breeding sites.

Reduce bites: Same as culex annulirostris

All these species are vectors of important diseases in Brisbane, such as Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus, but we don’t normally see increases in these diseases until midsummer.