They’re downright annoying, hard to stop, and can transmit diseases.
We’re talking about mosquitoes, and even though Redland City Council’s extensive Mosquito Management Program keeps the mosquito population as low as it can, it is impossible to eliminate them completely from Redlands Coast.
That’s where residents can help, said Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell.
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“With the amount of rain we’ve had and are predicted to have this summer, combined with the hot temperatures, it is prime breeding conditions for mosquitoes,” she said.
“Council’s Mosquito Management Team delivers a year-round, best practice Mosquito Management Program – investigating known breeding sites and conducting aerial and ground treatments as required.
“They cover nearly 10,000 hectares of land annually using helicopters, quad bikes and drones.
“The program treats mosquitoes in their larval form in targeted areas where they breed, such as saltmarsh and freshwater locations throughout the city.
“While the treatments are effective, it’s impossible to find or treat all breeding locations as mosquitoes are capable of breeding in very small pools of water.”
Mosquitoes are considered a designated pest under the Public Health Act 2005. They are known to transmit disease to humans, including Ross River Fever and Barmah Forest Virus.
Regional Mosquito Management Group chairman Cr Paul Golle (Division 3) urged residents to take proactive steps during the ongoing warm and wet weather to help reduce mosquito breeding.
“The most effective way to combat mosquito populations is by eliminating standing water in and around your home, as these are prime breeding sites,” Cr Golle said.
“Be sure to regularly check areas such as plant saucers, gutters, and containers.
“Additionally, using mosquito repellents and barrier treatments available from local suppliers can provide further protection for you and your family.
“Working together, we can reduce the impact of mosquitoes in our region and ensure a safer, healthier environment for all.”
To help you get the best out of this summer season without the slap and itch, here are a few tips on protecting yourself from mosquitoes.
- When venturing outdoors during peak mosquito season, wear clothing that is long, loose-fitting and light in colour
- Apply insect repellents (natural repellents can also be used) particularly to areas that are exposed and not protected by clothing
- Install and maintain fine-mesh flyscreens on windows and doors of your home
- Treat normal flyscreens with UV stable insecticide surface spray
- Use insect spray, mosquito coils or plug-in insecticide burners
- Increase air flow inside the home by using fans or other air circulation devices
- Keep vegetation surrounding the house to a minimum to reduce insect-harbouring areas.
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
