EARLY season midge monitoring at Yellagonga Regional Park has turned up low levels and no need for chemical spraying.
Officers from the cities of Joondalup and Wanneroo and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attraction (DBCA) have been testing larvae levels throughout the breeding season.
The species of midge that breed from August to January in Yellagonga – incorporating lakes Goollelal and Joondalup – can cause a nuisance to residents living around the wetlands.
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READ NOWAs part of ongoing research aimed at understanding the factors that contribute to nuisance midge, a study on adult midge emergence will also be undertaken this season.
It is hoped the project will provide a better understanding on the correlation between the distribution of midge larvae and adult midge emergence.
Joondalup mayor Albert Jacob said midge numbers were being monitored weekly.
He said chemical treatment would only occur if midge had a significant negative effect on local residents.
“If treatment is required to occur at Lake Goollelal, then the trial use of a product called S-Methoprene will be undertaken. S-Methoprene is considered to be more target specific and more environmentally friendly than the existing organophosphate product,” he said.
“Yellagonga Regional Park is an important natural ecosystem and the cities of Joondalup, Wanneroo and DBCA will continue to work collaboratively to balance the needs of residents who could potentially be negatively affected by midge, whilst protecting the flora and fauna found in this unique section of Perth’s northern corridor.”
Wanneroo mayor Tracey Roberts said midge naturally occurred in wetland ecosystems on the Swan Coastal Plain.
“However high levels of nutrients in the wetlands, as well as water temperature and water levels can cause some midge species to multiply rapidly,” she said.
“This will be monitored carefully as the breeding season continues.”
For further information on dealing with nuisance midge, a brochure is available for Joondalup residents at www.joondalup.wa.gov.au. The City’s Health and Environmental Services team can be called on 9400 4933.
Wanneroo residents are asked to visit www.wanneroo.wa.gov.au or call 9405 5000.
HOW TO REDUCE LIKELIHOOOD OF MIDGE BEING ATTRACTED TO AROUND HOMES NEAR WETLANDS
– Wash car on the lawn rather than the driveway or street – Use nutrient-free detergents – Use slow-release fertilisers on lawns and gardens – Plant local native plants in your garden
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