Published on Tuesday, 18 February 2025 at 8:25:00 AM
The Town of Port Hedland has increased mosquito spraying from four to 15 hectares a day - the equivalent of 15 rugby fields - thanks to advanced agricultural drone technology.
This is a 275% increase in the amount of land that could previously be treated by Environmental Health Officers with a backpack sprayer.
Michael Cuvalo, Manager of Environmental Services, said the drone technology had completely changed the way the Town approached mosquito-control programs.
"With this technology, the team can split their efforts with drones covering large, flooded areas while others focus on smaller breeding sites,” he said.
"It's exciting to be able to launch this cutting-edge technology in a way that makes a meaningful difference to the community."
With the significant rains received due to TC Zelia, mosquito numbers will rapidly increase and the public is being urged to take precautions, particularly after a new case of Murray Valley Encephalitis was detected in the Kimberley and Pilbara region.
“Protecting yourself and your family is key,” Mr Cuvalo said.
“There are three simple things you can do: Wear mosquito repellent, clean up any stagnant water pools around your home, and cover up - especially at dawn and dusk when mozzies are most active."
The Town's Environmental Health Officers are continuing fogging at dawn and dusk in key areas to help reduce mosquito populations.
The Town of Port Hedland is committed to monitoring and supporting the control of mosquito population numbers as demonstrated in the Mosquito Management Plan.
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