If you're a mosquito in North Batemans Bay, there's a good chance you'll wind up under a microscope in Sydney thanks to environmental health officers Darren Williams and Rebecca Hardwick.
Strapped to a tree in a backyard, their MacGyver-style trap uses carbon dioxide, a 6-volt light and a tiny fan to lure mozzies in then blow them down into a secure cannister.
The trapped insects are then sent in a foam esky to Westmead Hospital so NSW Health scientists can count, identify, and check if the little bloodsuckers for viruses. It's one of the ways Council works with the state government to provide the public with early warning of mosquito-spread diseases.
This story was first published in Council's quarterly newsletter for residents, Living in Eurobodalla. A printed edition is delivered to Eurobodalla's 26,000 households.
