Bogong moths clog hot water heaters across Illawarra coast
Bogong moths invading the Illawarra coast triggered a 1113 per cent surge in hot water heater repairs.
Millions of bogong moths arrived on the Illawarra coast this month. Strong winds likely blew them off their usual migration south to the Snowy Mountains.
The insects fly into hot water heater flues and smother the flames. This forces residents to call plumbers.
One Wollongong plumbing company answered over 100 service calls in four weeks. Demand for hot water re-lights jumped 1113 per cent.
The moths also triggered car alarms and infested roof spaces. They made it nearly impossible for residents to use outdoor lights without being swarmed.
Numbers dropped significantly towards the end of this week following the latest bout of rain. Insect expert Dr Caitlyn Forster said the majority have now headed south.
- 100+
- Service calls in 4 weeks
- 1113%
- Repair demand surge
- Dr Caitlyn Forster, University of Sydney
- Expert
- Illawarra coast
- Location
Why it mattersIf a bogong swarm arrives at your home, understanding why they're there helps you plan repairs. Knowing how they're affecting services helps you avoid panic.
AustraliaFor Illawarra and south coast NSW residents, bogongs are now a serious home problem causing water heater failures and unexpected plumbing bills, though the endangered insects should be removed gently.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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