The Times Australia
Health

.
The Times Real Estate

.

Mosquito-borne diseases are on the rise. Here’s how collecting mozzies in your backyard can help science

  • Written by Cameron Webb, Clinical Associate Professor and Principal Hospital Scientist, University of Sydney

Warm weather is here and mosquitoes are on the rise in Australia. Unseasonably large swarms are causing problems in some parts of Sydney already[1].

Health authorities track mosquitoes across the country[2] to provide an early warning of mosquito-borne disease risk, but they can’t be everywhere. Citizen scientists can step in to help – with excellent success.

Our latest research[3] explored the value of an Australian program called Mozzie Monitors, not just as a surveillance tool but an educational one too.

Citizen scientists are everywhere

Citizen science[4] – when non-scientists help scientists collect data – has become a powerful tool in environmental research[5]. With appropriate training, the community can contribute to scientific discoveries alongside professional scientists.

By combining citizen science data with professionally collected data, everyone benefits[6]. With a greater quantity of reliable data, authorities are more informed when making decisions about environmental protections[7], wildlife conservation[8] and human health[9].

People are often drawn to “charismatic” wildlife[10] such as cute mammals, birds or frogs. But our project shows that helping scientists track mosquitoes can improve community understanding of these pesky insects and the public health risks they bring.

Mosquitoes and mosquito-borne disease in Australia

There are hundreds of types of mosquitoes in Australia[11]. Only a dozen or so[12] pose pest and public health risks – but these risks are serious.

Ross River virus[13] infects around 5,000 people every year. The disease it causes isn’t fatal but can be debilitating. There are other viruses spread by mosquitoes that, while very rare, can be deadly[14].

There are limited opportunities for mosquito control[15]. To prevent disease, raising awareness of mosquito risk and avoiding being bitten[16] are key strategies[17].

To provide an early warning of elevated public health risks, most state and territory health authorities monitor mosquito and virus activity[18]. But they can only operate so many mosquito traps each season, leading to gaps in coverage.

This is where citizen scientists come in.

Mosquito biting a finger
With hundreds of different types of mosquito in Australia, knowing what’s biting helps determine local health risks. Cameron Webb/NSW Health Pathology

What’s the Mozzie Monitors program?

Scientists at the University of South Australia started Mozzie Monitors[19] in 2018 to offer an innovative approach to mosquito monitoring. It collects valuable data on mosquito populations and provides participants with useful knowledge.

Participants use low-cost mosquito traps[20] in their backyards to capture mosquitoes. They photograph the collections and send them to researchers for identification.

Citizen scientists also contribute observations through the existing online platform iNaturalist[21]. The beauty of tapping into this platform is that it captures observations by both active participants and casual citizen scientists.

More than 200 people have participated in Mozzie Monitors to date, capturing more than 15,000 mosquitoes and uploading some 8,000 photographs online[22].

It’s already been shown to be a cost-effective complement to traditional mosquito monitoring programs[23] in Australia. This approach has also been adapted overseas[24].

Mosquitoes in a plastic tray.
Scientists identify and count mosquito species to assist local health authorities. Cameron Webb/NSW Health Pathology

Monitoring mosquitoes and picking up knowledge

We compared data collection by Mozzie Monitors participants in South Australia and Western Australia. There were differences in both the types of mosquitoes collected and their numbers.

While the Australian backyard mosquito (Aedes notoscriptus[25]) and the southern house mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus[26]) were the most common across both areas, the citizen scientist data also provided insights into the coastal wetland mosquitoes unique to each area.

Mosquito collections were just the start.

We surveyed 26 people about their experience participating in Mozzie Monitors. Their mosquito identification and technical skills significantly improved while taking part in the program. They successfully learned to identify the most common mosquitoes in their backyards while improving their photography skills.

For scientists who received the data, better photos resulted in better specimen identification.

Perhaps most importantly, the study highlighted behavioural changes in citizen scientists that will have public health benefits for themselves, their families and neighbours.

person taking photo of insect with smartphone
Citizen scientists only need a smartphone to collect valuable information on the local environment. Larissa Braz Sousa (University of Sydney)

Before their participation in Mozzie Monitors, the citizen scientists we surveyed stopped mosquito bites around their properties only by using insect screens. After participating in the program, they were more likely to check their backyards for mosquitoes and eliminate their source (for example, by tipping out water-filled containers).

This change in attitude highlights the program’s power to translate knowledge and skills into actions that can protect participants, and their households, from the health risks of mosquitoes.

Participants had a range of motivations for joining the program. Many were driven by concerns about nuisance or mosquito-borne diseases, while others were motivated by a general interest in science and volunteering.

They appreciated the program’s ease of participation and the opportunity to contribute to valuable research. They also reported improved understanding of mosquito species.

Seen mosquitoes around your home?

Mozzie Monitors shows how citizen science can empower communities to identify common local mosquito species, understand their impact on human health, and take proactive measures to avoid mosquito-borne disease.

By combining knowledge, technical skills and action, the program helps safeguard local communities from the health threats of mosquitoes.

If you’re noticing more mosquitoes around your home, consider sharing photos with scientists by uploading them to iNaturalist[27]. This database makes scientific observations freely available to all. Identifying mosquito species helps us better understand disease risks and nuisance biting, enabling more effective prevention and control efforts.

Mosquitoes may not be the most charismatic of Australia’s wildlife. But by participating in citizen science projects such as Mozzie Monitors, learning about these pests may be the secret to keeping your family safe from their bites this summer.

References

  1. ^ causing problems in some parts of Sydney already (www.smh.com.au)
  2. ^ track mosquitoes across the country (theconversation.com)
  3. ^ latest research (doi.org)
  4. ^ Citizen science (citizenscience.org.au)
  5. ^ a powerful tool in environmental research (academic.oup.com)
  6. ^ everyone benefits (theconversation.com)
  7. ^ environmental protections (www.desi.qld.gov.au)
  8. ^ wildlife conservation (www.abc.net.au)
  9. ^ human health (researchinvolvement.biomedcentral.com)
  10. ^ “charismatic” wildlife (australian.museum)
  11. ^ hundreds of types of mosquitoes in Australia (www.publish.csiro.au)
  12. ^ dozen or so (journals.plos.org)
  13. ^ Ross River virus (journals.plos.org)
  14. ^ while very rare, can be deadly (theconversation.com)
  15. ^ limited opportunities for mosquito control (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  16. ^ avoiding being bitten (theconversation.com)
  17. ^ key strategies (www.frontiersin.org)
  18. ^ monitor mosquito and virus activity (www.health.vic.gov.au)
  19. ^ Mozzie Monitors (theconversation.com)
  20. ^ low-cost mosquito traps (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  21. ^ iNaturalist (www.inaturalist.org)
  22. ^ 8,000 photographs online (www.inaturalist.org)
  23. ^ complement to traditional mosquito monitoring programs (www.sciencedirect.com)
  24. ^ also been adapted overseas (bioone.org)
  25. ^ Aedes notoscriptus (www.inaturalist.org)
  26. ^ Culex quinquefasciatus (www.inaturalist.org)
  27. ^ iNaturalist (www.inaturalist.org)

Read more https://theconversation.com/mosquito-borne-diseases-are-on-the-rise-heres-how-collecting-mozzies-in-your-backyard-can-help-science-244511

The Times Features

Why You Need an Expert Electrician for Your Business’s Electrical Upgrades and Repairs

When it comes to maintaining and upgrading your business’s electrical systems, it’s essential to call in a professional. Electrical work in any commercial setting requires the ex...

Why Is It Crucial to Have a Building Inspection Done Before Buying a New Home?

Purchasing a new property is a big financial decision that can impact your future for years. Whether you are a first-time buyer or an investor, good or bad, it is essential to en...

Online Application for Sick Leave Certificate: Understanding When and How to Secure One

A sick leave certificate is an official document issued by a healthcare professional to verify an individual's inability to attend work due to illness. It typically includes the ...

Digital mental health programs are inexpensive and innovative. But do they work?

Almost half of Australians will experience[1] mental health problems in their lifetime. Recent floods, droughts, cyclones, bushfires and the COVID pandemic have increased dis...

A No-Fuss Guide to an Effective Beauty Routine

Taking care of the skin and appearance need not be complicated; it need not even consume your hours of time. Smart and simple approaches can give one that glow and fresh look witho...

Safe & Effective Tattoo Removal in Auckland – What You Need to Know

If you're looking for tattoo removal in Auckland, modern laser technology offers the safest and most effective way to fade or completely remove unwanted ink. Whether it's an outd...

Times Magazine

The Ultimate Guide to Apple Watch Faces & Trending Wallpapers

In today’s digital world, personalization is everything. Your smartwatch isn’t just a timepiece—it’s an extension of your style. Thanks to innovative third-party developers, customizing your Apple Watch has reached new heights with stunning designs...

The Power of Digital Signage in Modern Marketing

In a fast-paced digital world, businesses must find innovative ways to capture consumer attention. Digital signage has emerged as a powerful solution, offering dynamic and engaging content that attracts and retains customers. From retail stores to ...

Why Cloud Computing Is the Future of IT Infrastructure for Enterprises

Globally, cloud computing is changing the way business organizations manage their IT infrastructure. It offers cheap, flexible and scalable solutions. Cloud technologies are applied in organizations to facilitate procedures and optimize operation...

First Nations Writers Festival

The First Nations Writers Festival (FNWF) is back for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, continuing its mission to celebrate the voices, cultures and traditions of First Nations communities through literature, art and storytelling. Set to take ...

Improving Website Performance with a Cloud VPS

Websites represent the new mantra of success. One slow website may make escape for visitors along with income too. Therefore it's an extra offer to businesses seeking better performance with more scalability and, thus represents an added attracti...

Why You Should Choose Digital Printing for Your Next Project

In the rapidly evolving world of print media, digital printing has emerged as a cornerstone technology that revolutionises how businesses and creative professionals produce printed materials. Offering unparalleled flexibility, speed, and quality, d...

LayBy Shopping