Bees, Wasps and Mosquitoes

Wellington Shire Council operate a Mosquito Control Program from November to the end of April each year under the direction and guidelines of the Department of Health, Victoria. The program is primarily aimed at reducing the number of mosquitos affecting our coastal townships to reduce the incidence of mosquito borne illnesses such as Ross River Virus and Barmah Forest Virus.

Download a copy of the Gippsland Lakes and Mosquito Management brochure.

‍

Mosquito Control Program

The areas covered by the mosquito control program in Wellington Shire are near coastal townships bordering the Gippsland Lakes and Lake Reeve. These areas are known as saltmarsh, which make for ideal breeding areas for Ochlerotatus camptorhynchus, a species known to transmit Ross River Virus and Barmah Forest Virus. These areas can be inundated by rain, floods and wind induced high tides.

There are 55 identified breeding sites covered by the program, ranging in size from a few square metres to many hectares which are monitored when suspected of breeding mosquitoes.

Adult mosquito trapping is generally carried out on a weekly basis during the season along the northern shores of Lake Wellington and the McLennan Straits.

The purpose of the trapping is to:

• Identify the species present.
• Determine the prevalence in the area.
• Test for the presence of arboviruses.

‍

Larval Control

Larval control is carried out when first-instar larvae are detected at the breeding site by the mosquito monitors.

Spraying is generally completed using an eight-wheel drive all-terrain vehicle on tracks. The control agent is dispersed through a boom spray. Control agents used are BTI (bacillis thuringiensis var israelensis) or IGR (insect growth regulator).

‍

Lean how to protect yourself and family from mosquitoes

• Protect yourself from mosquito bites
• Protecting your home from Mosquitoes
• Mozzie-proof your holiday

Visit Beat the Bite for further information on protecting yourself from mosquito bites.

Bees are an important part of our environment. Bees typically swarm in spring when a queen and part of the honey bee colony leave the parent colony to establish a new hive.

After leaving the hive, the swarm will generally settle on a post, tree branch or similar while scout bees search for a suitable new home. The bees will generally form a football shape around the queen to protect her. While they are clustered like this they are easily collected and hived by people used to handling bees.

Provided the swarm is not aggravated they should not present a danger to people. The swarm will typically move off after a couple of days. Once the bees have established a nest, they can no longer be collected by a bee keeper and need to be eradicated by a pest control company with chemicals.

‍

Bee Hives - Council Land

If you find a hive on council land in areas where the public frequent, you can report this to Council.

‍

Bee Swarms and Nests - Private Property

Bee swarms and nests located on private property must be treated by the property owner. You can report swarms or nests on private properties to Council's Environmental Health team, however if a nuisance is present it is the owners responsibility to have it removed.

After eradication, the entrances to the nest and other nearby holes should be sealed to prevent the entry by other swarms. Do not consume the honeycomb as it may contain traces of chemicals. Do not remove honeycomb until all bee activity has ceased.

European wasps can cause major concern, especially during the summer when outdoor dining increases as wasps are attracted to sweet food and meat.

European wasps can sting but generally only when aggravated. Unlike a bee, the European wasp can sting multiple times. If left undisturbed, the European wasp is not aggressive to humans or other animals. If a nest is disturbed, wasps release a chemical which triggers the other wasps to defend the nest. Follow basic first aid steps if stung by European wasps.

Responsibility for the eradication of nests depends on whether the nest is located on Council land or private property. Special care needs to be taken with eradication.

‍

Wasp Nests - Council Land

If you find a nest on council land in areas where the public frequent, report this to Council.

‍

Wasp Nests - Private Property

Nests located on private property are the responsibility of the property owner or in some circumstances the tenant, who must either arrange for the nest to be eradicated by a pest control company or treat the nest themselves.

You can report nests on private properties to Council's Environmental Health Unit, however if a nuisance is present it is the owners responsibility to have it removed.

‍

Locating a Nest

In order to eradicate European wasps the nest must be located. Nests are often underground and located where shelter is available. The nest is made of grey paper mache type material and is evident by a stream of wasps entering and leaving the nest. Please note that wasps may travel up to 500 metres from their nest to locate food sources. ‍

‍

Discouraging European Wasps

• Do not leave fallen fruit or food scraps lying around your yard.
• Make sure rubbish bins have tight fitting lids.
• Cover exposed food, picnics and BBQs.
• Keep your swimming pool covered when not in use.
• Avoid leaving uneaten pet food and dog bones outside.
• Keep compost heaps and bins covered at all times.
• Cover bird baths or fish ponds with shade cloth or fine mesh.
• Remove ivy from the garden; wasps find it very attractive and frequently nest in strands of ivy.
• Cover all windows with fly screens.
• Keep yards tidy and remove any leaf litter from gardens.
• Do not drink out of cans or bottles - use a straw or glass receptacle.
• Do not leave fallen fruit or food scraps lying around your yard.