Australia’s mainland has recorded its first detection of one of the world’s most invasive insects — so aggressive it’s earned the nickname “the barbecue stopper”.
Six Asian tiger mosquitoes were uncovered during routine monitoring near Bamaga in far north Queensland, prompting health authorities to launch spraying operations across the Cape York Peninsula.
The insect, scientifically known as Aedes albopictus, can carry serious illnesses, including dengue and Japanese encephalitis.
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Six Asian tiger mosquitoes were uncovered during routine monitoring near Bamaga in far north Queensland.
(CSIRO)Is there a public health risk?
Officials say the mosquitoes found did not test positive for any viruses, and there is no immediate danger to the public.
Cook MP David Kempton said the find involved three male and three female mosquitoes and had raised urgent questions for authorities.
“The biggest questions are, where are they coming from, and where are they now?” he told the ABC.
“If we find them in large numbers over a large area, we’ve certainly got an issue on our hands.”
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Researchers say the species is particularly difficult to control because it spreads easily through human movement and transport.
University of Sydney insect expert Tom Schmidt said the mosquitoes are known to hitch rides on trucks, aircraft and boats, and to cope better in cooler conditions than many tropical species.
“I think this is the first time that they’re seeing multiple individuals on the mainland and not at an airport or seaport,” he told the ABC.
“It occasionally comes into Australian airports and seaports, and then those incursions will be eradicated.”
Officials say the mosquitoes found did not test positive for any viruses, and there is no immediate danger to the public.
(Pawich Sattalerd via Getty Images)How did Asian tiger mosquitoes get here?
The mosquito has been present in the Torres Strait since the mid-2000s, but Dr Schmidt said it was surprising mainland Australia had avoided an established population for so long.
Authorities are still investigating how the insects arrived in Cape York.
Mr Kempton said recent illegal foreign fishing activity could not be ruled out.
“I couldn’t discount that as a source,” he said.
Dr Schmidt said DNA testing may eventually pinpoint where the mosquitoes came from and whether there is any connection to overseas fishing vessels.
“It seems that the original Torres Strait invasion around 2004-2005 was from an Indonesian source, which could have been fishermen,” he said.
The “barbecue stopper” label comes from the mosquito’s relentless biting habits.
“Aedes albopictus is known for biting repeatedly, and they’re very painful bites,” Dr Schmidt said.
“When they’re about, people tend not to want to go outside.”
Health officials are encouraging residents to reduce standing water around homes, wear protective clothing and use insect repellent to help stop the species from spreading further.
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