Bogong moths swarm residential areas in New South Wales

Endangered Bogong moths are swarming residential areas across New South Wales, including Sydney suburbs such as the North Shore, Hawkesbury, and Sutherland Shire, as well as the NSW south coast.

Experts and authorities have clarified that the sudden influx is a natural part of the species' annual migration rather than a pest infestation. Each spring, between September and December, a new generation of moths travels up to 1,000 kilometres from breeding grounds in Queensland, NSW, and Victoria toward the Australian Alps to seek cooler temperatures in alpine caves.

Residents have reported large numbers of the insects clustering around street lights, windows, and homes. The Hawkesbury Police Area Command reassured the public via social media that the insects are simply passing through on their journey to the mountains.