Like all insects, mosquitoes thrive in warmer weather. But what they really need is water. La Niña rainfall and flooding are providing the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, with numbers exploding in recent weeks.
People are also seeing giant mosquitoes, tiny mosquitoes, and species they haven’t noticed before. Some of these mosquitoes are around every season but their numbers are booming, thanks to the favourable conditions.
Australia has around 300 species of mosquito. So which do you need to look out for?
First, let’s go over some mozzie basics.
Widespread NSW flooding has seen staff and students use innovative transport solutions to get to school. Linda Doherty and Kerrie O’Connor report.
When Kate Slack-Smith, relieving principal of remote Burren Junction Public School, got stranded by floodwaters, a local farmer and former student came to the rescue to fly her home in his six-seater aircraft.
Mrs Slack-Smith touched down on a farm airstrip to lead her school of 35 students, most of whom have kept attending - rain, hail or shine despite the tiny town, 50 kilometres west of Wee Waa, being surrounded by floods.
Teachers have been hitching a ride on the Wee Waa SES boat to cross the Namoi River and reach the school bus. For farm kids, gum boots have been at the ready to wade through paddocks or into town. Four-wheel-drive buggies are the only way for many farming families to get to school.
Newborn baby Lane Booby has had an exciting start to life, taking a chopper ride home to Wee Waa from Narrabri hospital due to the floods.
“Lane was born in the afternoon on Friday, October 21 in Narrabri, Cody and the girls had quick cuddles after he was born then had to head straight home, they’ve been cut off at home from the flood since then,” said Lane’s mum Ainsley Caufield.
“We are very smitten,” added the popular ambulance officer about her baby Lane.
Wee Waa Community Hospital marked National Carers’ Week last Tuesday with a special morning tea.
“We wanted to give thanks to all those carers out there in our community for keeping your loved ones well looked after,” said health service manager Cathy Conomos.
“Many thanks to all who made the yummy food for us to share.”