The Shire of Cranbrook is transitioning to a method of mosquito control with the use of slow release pellets directly into areas holding stagnant water long term. This coupled with the placing of pellets into septic tanks in the town areas will also assist in reducing the numbers.
The Shire of Cranbrook, like most local governments, will no longer be “fogging” for mosquitoes in both the Frankland River and Cranbrook townsites. It is important to understand that fogging is only recommended when there is an imminent public health risk associated with mosquito-borne disease transmission. The Department of Health releases a quarterly Medical Entomology Report reporting on the number of Ross River Virus (RRV) cases in the Great Southern and up to February 2025 there had been no RRV cases notified.
Whilst there is a benefit to “fogging” in terms of the reduction of nuisance mosquitoes, the chemical used is a synthetic pyrethroid, and it will kill beneficial insects such as bees.
The towns’ population has become quite divided between those that want fogging and those who wish to opt out. It is a difficult situation to implement, and the Shire is keen to assess a more updated method of restricting the numbers of mosquitoes.
In the meantime, please follow three basic rules with your family and in your own home:
- Cover up (wear loose fitting, light coloured clothing, covering as much of the body as you can)
- Repel (Apply an effective insect repellent)
- Clean Up (get rid of all water-holding containers around your house
Linda Gray
Chief Executive Officer