Australia’s Hot Spots for Mozzies

Written By Phuong Tran

Australia's diverse landscapes and climates create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, particularly in warm, humid regions with abundant water sources. These insects are more than just an annoyance—they can transmit serious diseases, making it essential to be aware of the worst mosquito-infested areas in the country.

1. Northern Australia

Northern Australia, including parts of Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland, experiences tropical climates with distinct wet seasons. Heavy rainfall and warm temperatures create the perfect conditions for mosquito populations to explode.

  • Kimberley & Pilbara, WA – These regions are hotspots for mosquitoes, particularly after the wet season, when stagnant water provides ideal breeding grounds (WA Health, 2023).

  • Darwin & Top End, NT – Known for its high mosquito activity, especially after monsoonal rains, this area has reported cases of mosquito-borne diseases like Ross River virus and Murray Valley encephalitis (NT Health, 2023).

2. Queensland

Queensland, especially in the north, experiences high mosquito activity, particularly during summer and the wet season.

  • Cairns & Townsville – These cities have historically faced annual dengue outbreaks, largely due to the presence of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. However, control programs have helped reduce transmission in recent years (World Mosquito Program, 2024).

  • Brisbane & Gold Coast – With a subtropical climate, mosquito activity remains high in warm, humid months, increasing the risk of Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus (QLD Health, 2024).

3. New South Wales

Mosquito infestations are not limited to tropical areas. New South Wales, particularly Western Sydney and regional floodplains, has seen increasing mosquito numbers in recent years.

  • Sydney’s South West & Western Sydney – Areas with high rainfall and wetland environments have become mosquito hotspots. Overgrown water recycling plants have also been linked to mosquito infestations (Daily Telegraph, 2024).

  • Riverina & Murray Regions – Following major flooding events in 2022 and 2023, these regions saw a surge in mosquito activity, with increased risks of Japanese encephalitis, a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes (NSW Health, 2024).

4. Western Australia

Mosquitoes are a major issue in both coastal and inland areas of WA.

  • Perth & Southwest WA – The combination of wetlands, estuaries, and urban water sources makes Perth a mosquito-prone area, especially in summer. Cases of Ross River virus are commonly reported (WA Health, 2023).

  • Broome & Northern WA – Like the Kimberley and Pilbara, these areas have high mosquito activity, with ongoing monitoring programs in place to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks.

How to Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes

If you're visiting or living in a mosquito-prone area, here are some simple ways to protect yourself:

✅ Eliminate standing water – Empty containers like buckets, plant saucers, and old tyres to remove breeding sites.
✅ Use mosquito screens – Ensure windows and doors are properly screened to keep mosquitoes out.
✅ Apply insect repellent – Choose repellents with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, or mosquito repellent bracelets for a more natural option.
✅ Wear protective clothing – Long sleeves and light-coloured clothing help reduce bites.
✅ Use mosquito nets – Essential for camping or sleeping outdoors.

Mosquito-borne diseases remain a significant public health concern in Australia. By staying informed and taking the right precautions, you can reduce your risk and enjoy the outdoors safely.

References

Phuong Tran
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