Forbes Shire Council battles mosquito invasion, as insect numbers boom after floods

In a year of plagues of biblical proportions, it seems hardly surprising that flood-affected central west New South Wales is being bombarded by mosquitoes. Key points: Mosquitoes are thriving across central NSW after last month's floods Forbes Shire Council is attempting to manage the problem by spraying in public spaces NSW Health is monitoring a sentinel chicken flock to check for serious illnesses With plenty of stagnant water still around after the Lachlan River spilled its banks in November has created the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. The worst of the inundation was around the town of Forbes, and the number of insects has already increased, according to Forbes Shire Council's Matthew Teale. "Mosquitoes love warmth and water, and with all the rain we've been having across Western NSW and other parts of the country, that's brought ideal conditions," Dr Webb said. Mr Teale said in Forbes council workers had undertaken a massive spraying campaign across public spaces like sports grounds and parks to kill the insects and minimise numbers.