Mosquito control in Leanyer swamp

Although there are up to fifteen (15) different species of human biting mosquitoes in the Northern suburbs of Darwin, five (5) species are of most concern, either due to their pest levels, or for their potential to cause disease. The greatest number of public complaints occur from the suburbs bordering Leanyer Swamp, after late dry season and early wet season hatches of the salt marsh mosquito Aedes vigilax. This mosquito breeds principally in the tidally affected coastal marshes and can fly relatively long distances. Three of the five species are Anopheles mosquitoes that can breed in a variety of habitats ranging from fresh to saltwater. The remaining species Culex annulirostris, the common banded mosquito, breeds in fresh water swamps, grassy flooded areas and storm water drains. The common banded mosquito and the salt marsh mosquito can transmit a number of viruses causing disease including Murray Valley encephalitis virus and Ross River virus, while the Anopheles mosquitoes are potential malaria carriers.Date:2007-0