Help Council put the bite on mozzies this summer

Residents can help Council give mozzies the flick this summer.

Environmental Health Coordinator Geoff Atherfold said mosquitoes could breed almost anywhere that water collected, including backyards.

“Fortunately we can all help eradicate breeding sites – and thus reduce the spread of mosquito-borne viruses such as Ross River and Barmah Forest – by removing fresh and stagnant water from the garden,” he said.

Council has commenced its annual treatment program targeting tidal areas and swamps where mosquitoes breed, but residents can do their bit right away.

Mr Atherfold urged residents to regularly flush out ponds and birdbaths and remove any areas or containers where stagnant water can collect, particularly after rain.

“Remember to check still water features, gutters where water may be sitting, as well as buckets, even neglected swimming pools, plus boats, pot-plant saucers and drains as these are all potential mosquito breeding sites,” he said.

Council’s aerial treatment program chiefly targets the Aedes vigilax mosquito, which has been linked to Ross River and Barmah Forest Viruses.

“We carry out these treatments during the summer king tides. These tides inundate swamps, which provides plenty of the stagnant water mosquitoes need to breed,” Mr Atherfold said.

“We treat these areas with a growth inhibitor to prevent the mosquito larvae developing into adult mosquitoes.”

The pellets specifically target mosquito larvae and have no other environmental impact.

Mr Atherfold said applying insect repellent and covering up when outdoors, particularly at sunset and sunrise when mozzies were most active, could also help reduce the risk of contracting mosquito-borne viruses.

For more information on Council’s mosquito management program, visit Council’s website.

21 December 2017