Redlands Coast residents are urged to take an active role in mosquito management and check their properties for possible breeding sites.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said recent warm weather and rain had created ideal breeding conditions for both freshwater and saltmarsh mosquitoes.
“The saltmarsh species can travel up to 50km, which means many areas across the city are being impacted, particularly the Southern Moreton Bay Islands and southern suburbs,” Cr Williams said.
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“Council delivers a comprehensive treatment program, with our mosquito management team investigating known breeding sites and conducting aerial and ground treatments as required.
“We encourage all residents to help Council in our efforts to reduce mosquito numbers by checking their own yards, especially during the current peak breeding season which continues until April.
“Mosquitoes don’t need much water to breed and now is the perfect time to check yards and empty water pooling in items such as boats, toys, blocked roof gutters and old tyres.”
Cr Williams said there were a number of other measures residents could take to protect themselves from mosquitoes.
“Residents should avoid being outside during peak activity periods at dusk and dawn where possible, use insect repellent and wear light-coloured, long, loose-fitting clothing,” she said.
“It’s also timely to check your insect screens are in good condition.”
Regional Mosquito Management Group chairman Cr Paul Golle (Division 3) said Council had a year-round program to manage mosquitoes and paid particular attention to coastal, saltmarsh and mangrove areas.
“Council’s mosquito management team treats about 9500 hectares of land annually via ground and aerial application through the use of helicopters, quad bikes and drones,” Cr Golle said.
“We also run an inspection program to monitor larvae numbers and the efficacy of our treatments.
“We target the mosquito larvae or ‘wrigglers’ before they can fly and bite, and start treatment programs as soon as larval breeding is detected.
“Council is unable to treat biting midge larvae as their prime breeding grounds are natural coastal habitats where it is illegal to spray with the required insecticides.
“Unfortunately, the insecticides required to treat for midge are general insecticides that also impact other animals in our ecosystems such as dragonflies, butterflies and bees.”
For more information on Council’s mosquito management program, including treatment dates and tips to reduce breeding sites in your yard, visit redland.qld.gov.au/mosquitoes
Council also has a webpage on managing biting midges.
