Redland City Council has stepped up its mosquito program to counter an early start to the breeding season.
Warmer weather, recent rain and two high tides have provided ideal conditions for mosquitoes to flourish.
Acting Mayor Wendy Boglary said Council had already conducted four aerial treatments covering areas from 120ha to 530ha in the past month.
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“The warmer weather has contributed to mosquito breeding starting early this year, so we are being pro-active and we are treating breeding sites as they are identified,’’ Cr Boglary said.
“All aerial treatments to date have targeted salt marsh mosquitoes, with ground treatments targeting several species of mosquitoes and different environments.
“Redland City Council only uses products approved for use in the Moreton Bay Marine Park, are safe for you and the environment and only target mosquito larva.’’
Cr Boglary said Council could only reduce the numbers of mosquitoes and it was not possible to eradicate them.
“Mozzies post an ever-present health risk as well as being a nuisance, so everyone needs to play their part in keeping numbers down,’’ she said.
“While Council’s mosquito management crew is ever vigilant, conducting surveys and ground and aerial treatments, you can help manage mosquitoes around your home by emptying water from pot plant bases, boats, unscreened rainwater tanks, un-chlorinated swimming pools, blocked roof gutters or garden features.
“While viruses can be carried by mosquitoes in the Redlands, to date we do not have any mosquito species that carry dengue or zika viruses that we know of – however we still do run surveillance for these species.’’
You can protect yourself against mozzie bites by wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing; using personal insect repellent and avoiding outdoor activity at dawn and dusk. Learn more ways to protect yourself from mozzies here.
