Residents of south-west Sydney suburbs have been invaded by pesky mosquitoes which may cause more harm than annoyance.
“They can spread pathogens that can make you sick, like Ross River virus,” NSW Health Pathology scientist Cameron Webb, who works protecting communities from mosquito-borne disease, told 7NEWS.
The crisis has spread concern throughout the community with residents finding completing daily tasks a challenge. Chipping Norton resident Elizabeth Clonaris, said, “We’re inundated, it’s like a plague.”
“We can’t step outside of our front doors, can’t hang clothes outside… It’s not just Chipping Norton that’s affected. It’s Wattle Grove, it’s Hammondville, it’s Moorebank,” she added.
Liverpool City Council has announced plans to tackle mosquito populations in Chipping Norton and around the Liverpool Water Recycling Plant. The council will be “trapping mosquitoes in the hot spots with the help of a mosquito expert from the NSW Health Entomology department to identify the species and the best management option.”
In addition to trapping, the council will spray “nuisance” mosquitoes in public facilities and will engage a contractor to apply mosquito larvicide in certain natural habitats where mosquitoes thrive.
“Wherever this problem lies, we will identify what the root cause is, and we will work together to ensure the residents are looked after,” Liverpool City Council acting CEO Jason Breton told 7NEWS.
The council is collaborating with Sydney Water to inspect the Liverpool Water Recycling Plant alongside NSW Health, aiming to implement appropriate mosquito management measures. They will also work with a NSW Health mosquito expert to assess mosquito hotspots in the Chipping Norton area.
Residents have also been urged to clean out stagnant water sources, or cover up anything that can collect rainwater.
Source: 7NEWS.
