Peel Mosquito Management Group report reveals upcoming season could be worst in years

A dry, warm September means mosquito numbers are the highest they’ve been since 2021 in the Peel region, according to experts.

Senior mosquito operations officer Scott Severn presented the latest Peel Mosquito Management Group report at the City of Mandurah’s October council meeting.

The group includes the WA Department of Health, cities of Mandurah and Rockingham and shires of Murray and Waroona.

Its latest report showed that during the 2023-24 mosquito season, Ross River virus cases were down.

There were 23 cases of Ross River virus in Mandurah and five of Barmah Forest virus.

In comparison, in 2022-23 there were 29 cases of Ross River.

But in the Peel region as a whole there were 55 cases of Ross River virus in 2023-24, up slightly from the previous year when 49 cases were reported.

Mr Severn told the council he expects upcoming weather conditions will result in an increase in mosquito breeding.

The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted an average to above average rainfall and above average maximum and minimum temperatures this summer.

This will result in more intense tidal activity, which promotes mosquito breeding.

Between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024, 17 larvicidal treatments were performed covering a total of 3674.6 hectares.

During the upcoming season, Mr Severn said that larvicidal treatments in Mandurah will cover a larger area in response to conditions and be more frequent.

The City of Mandurah has allocated $398,116.40 to mosquito management, the bulk of the funding for the Peel Mosquito Management Group.