The City of Bayswater is using its commercial mosquito control service to help neighbouring councils City of Perth and Town of Bassendean tackle mosquito breeding.
The first of its kind in WA, the City’s service uses industry-leading drone technology to accurately target areas of wetlands that are difficult to access and treat by foot or vehicle.
Mayor Filomena Piffaretti said the City was pleased to be using its innovative service to help other local governments reduce mosquito breeding.
“As a leader in mosquito control, we’re proud to share our expertise and resources with the City of Perth and Town of Bassendean and offer WA’s first mosquito control and drone operations service,” she said.
“Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance, they can also carry viruses, so it’s important that we take a proactive approach in protecting both our community and neighbouring communities.”
Since January, the City of Perth has been using the City of Bayswater’s mosquito control service to apply mosquito larvicide treatments at Heirisson Island and Pelican Point.
Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas said the service was a great example of local governments sharing resources, and the reduction in mosquito numbers had improved the visitor experience at these destinations.
“Since engaging the City of Bayswater’s mosquito control service, we’ve seen a reduction in mosquito numbers, allowing tourists and locals to explore these picturesque locations without nuisance,” he said.
The Town of Bassendean has also made use of the City of Bayswater’s service to limit mosquito breeding in the Ashfield Flats wetland.
Town of Bassendean Mayor Kath Hamilton said there had been a significant reduction in mosquitoes in the wetland since engaging the City’s service.
“The use of drone technology is a safer and less intrusive method to control mosquito breeding in environmentally sensitive areas,” she said.
Local governments and agencies interested in using the service are invited to get in touch with the City of Bayswater’s Environmental Health team to discuss opportunities.
Pictured (left to right): City of Bayswater Mayor Filomena Piffaretti with City of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas and Town of Bassendean Mayor Kath Hamilton.