Council ramps up mosquito misting program

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With the recent rainfall and king tides, Council’s vector team is working to combat the increased mosquito activity across the Region.

Council’s Chair of Planning and Regulatory Committee, Councillor Ellen Smith, said more than 340 hectares in rural and urban saltmarsh sites have been treated as well as 90 freshwater sites.

“While our vector team has treated much of our saltmarsh and freshwater sites over the past three weeks, they are also carrying out misting programs across the Region including Gracemere, South Rockhampton and Port Curtis and other areas where we have received reports of increased mosquitos,” Cr Smith said.

“These mosquito control programs will be ongoing especially as forecasts show more rain lingering.

“We encourage residents to also assist in keeping mosquitos at bay by removing any accumulation of water that is a potential breeding ground at the home and be aware of peak mosquito activity at dusk and dawn.

“As we all know, some species of mosquitos can carry diseases including Ross River and Dengue Fever, so it is very important to wear repellent and long, loose fitting, lightly coloured clothing when outside.”

Council’s weekly trapping monitoring activities have found the main species to be the Culex Annulirostris which breeds in fresh water ground pools.

You can reduce mosquitoes around your home by:

· Inspecting your house and yard and removing any accumulation of water;

· Empty pot plant bases weekly or fill the base with sand to absorb water;

· Wash out bromeliads and other water-holding plants weekly;

· Clean out roof gutters regularly and trim back trees which can block gutters;

· Ensure rainwater tanks are screened;

· Maintain swimming pools;

· Wash out birdbaths and ornamental pools weekly; and

· Ensure ponds are stocked with suitable native fish.

What you can do to protect yourself:

· Screen all windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes coming inside;

· While outside wear long sleeved, loose-fitting clothing;

· Use insect repellent;

· If you live in an unscreened house or are camping, sleep under a mosquito net; and

· Air-conditioning, fans and mosquito coils are also effective in protecting you from mosquitoes.

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