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Turn mosquitos into a summer science adventure for the whole family

The Bugle App

Lynne Strong

09 December 2024, 8:00 PM

Turn mosquitos into a summer science adventure for the whole family

Warm weather is here, and so are the mosquitoes. With unseasonably large swarms causing headaches in parts of Sydney, it’s clear we’re in for a buzzing summer. But there’s a way to turn this pesky problem into a fascinating project for the whole family – citizen science!


Be part of Mozzie Monitors

Mozzie Monitors is a citizen science program where every day Australians help track mosquitoes to assist health authorities. All you need is a simple mosquito trap, a smartphone, and a bit of curiosity. Participants set up traps in their backyards, photograph their catches, and upload the images to researchers via platforms like iNaturalist. The data collected helps scientists identify mosquito species and monitor their populations.



Since 2018, more than 200 citizen scientists have joined this effort, capturing over 15,000 mosquitoes and uploading thousands of photos. Their work has provided critical insights into mosquito behaviour and improved community understanding of these insects and the diseases they carry.


Why join in?

Aside from contributing to valuable research, participants have found the program surprisingly educational. Families learn to identify common mosquito species, improve their photography skills, and discover ways to prevent mosquito-borne diseases like Ross River virus.



Kids can enjoy the thrill of being “real-life scientists,” while parents appreciate the program’s simplicity and impact. It’s also a great way to get outdoors, engage with the environment, and learn how small actions—like tipping out standing water—can reduce mosquito risks for the whole neighbourhood.



Get started this summer

If you’ve spotted mosquitoes in your backyard, why not join the Mozzie Monitors movement? Share your photos and observations on iNaturalist and contribute to this nationwide effort. It’s a fun, educational way to stay informed about the health risks mosquitoes pose – and to keep your family safer from their bites.


This summer let’s turn backyard buzzing into scientific discovery. Because the best way to beat mosquitoes might just be learning all about them!