Midge activity at Lake Brearley

Following recent heavy rainfall, the City has noted a spike in midge activity around Lake Brearley through its ongoing monitoring regime and night inspections.

The City continues to actively work on reducing midge numbers through the application of larvicides to maximum permitted levels and through the mechanical disruption of midge breeding areas in the lake.

The City has arranged for the installation of a temporary mobile light tower to help attract midge away from residential properties, and is commissioning an additional 16 midge traps in partnership with the Bayswater Community Men’s Shed to assist in managing midge in the area.

Existing midge traps have been adjusted to turn on earlier in the evening to better intercept midge before they reach light sources on private properties.

To help minimise the impact of midge during these times of elevated breeding, residents can:

• Keep windows and doors closed at sunset and early in the morning
• Place blacklight traps outside their property
• Install fine mesh fly-screens
• Reduce the wattage of external lights
• Use yellow external lights
• Apply a registered residual barrier insecticide on external harbourage areas of your home. Impacted residents can obtain a barrier insecticide and supporting information free of charge by contacting the City’s Environmental Health team on 9272 0648.

Pictured: Mayor Filomena Piffaretti with Bayswater Community Men’s Shed members.