City of Cockburn, PO Box 1215, Bibra Lake DC, Western Australia, 6965
Telephone: (08) 9411 3444

Midge Control

Midge Monitoring Begins

The City has begun our seasonal monitoring program which will be conducted until April 2012 pending water levels of lakes across Cockburn.

While midge naturally occur by water, the City and residents experienced unusually high numbers during December and January in 2010/11. These numbers were likely to have been a result of a combination of factors including reduced rainfall, low water levels, high nutrient inputs from storm water runoff and prevailing weather conditions.

The City has take a number of steps to minimise elevated levels of midge associated with our lakes. Actions include revegetation; improvement of nutrient inflows in the lake, and  additional midge lights.
Chemical treatment options are a last resort due to the potential off-target damage that may be caused to other invertebrates and / or vertebrates living in the lakes.When midge numbers have been excessively high in the past the City has treated some lakes with an approved larvicide distributed using a helicopter. Unfortunately the chemical (Abate) at the desired concentration is no longer available in Australia.  Other local government authorities are in similar positions.


Yangebup Lake News 2011/12 Summer

The City has been successful in gaining approval to use an alternative larvicide, ProLink / Altosid (S-Methoprene) Hormone Growth Inhibitor, which can be distributed by helicopter. If necessary this chemical will be used to treat midge should numbers be deemed to warrant a treatment.

Should you require additional information please call Council on 9411 3444.

 

Helpful hints on how to minimise Midge Problems

There are some actions that residents can take to help minimise midge problems.

These include:

  • Keep windows and doors closed.
  • Installing fine mesh insect screens.
  • Place electrocuting light traps around your property.
  • Avoid light coloured surfaces around your home - these reflect light and attract midges.
    Green and dark blue surfaces are most desirable.
  • Screen light from the sources of midges.
  • Reduce the number and wattage of outside lights.
  • Use yellow external lights or sensor security lights.
  • Use outdoor foggers (insecticides) when entertaining.

Cockburn's Midge Control Strategy include:

  • Light traps
  • Development of new and more efficient (environmentally friendly) agents for midge control
  • Aerial treatment of lakes
  • Maintenance of revegetation buffers around wetlands
  • Appropriate land use adjacent to wetlands
  • Public education
  • View the City of Cockburn Integrated Midge Control Strategy

 

 

Environment HOME

 

Need more info?

For further information and contact details for your local voluntary conservation group, please contact Environmental Services on 9411 3465.
Email: cbeaton@cockburn.wa.gov.au

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