Council to target mozzies as summer heats up
Published 2:00pm 15 November 2023
Council is preparing for a busy mosquito season with fogging treatments to start around Mango Hill, Griffin and North Lakes.
Moreton Bay City Council Mayor Peter Flannery says intermittent rainfall, followed by periods of dry weather, means the number of mozzie swarms will increase without intervention.
“For the past 18 months, our weather conditions have resulted in fewer mosquitoes, which has been great for our residents. Unfortunately, our luck won’t last and we’re already seeing a higher visibility of these pests,” Mayor Flannery says.
“Our teams are highly trained and prepared to take the fight to the mozzies. They’ve been actively patrolling areas known to be breeding grounds for both saltwater and freshwater mozzies, treating the areas as soon as it’s needed.
“Currently, the focus has been on freshwater mosquitoes – but with every high tide, our team is prepared to launch aerial treatments across saltmarsh areas.
“Beyond taking to the skies, we’ve been installing light traps each week, starting barrier treatments around the Griffin and Mango Hill areas, and preparing fogging treatments in highly populated areas around Mango Hill, Griffin and North Lakes.
“It's a matter of resident health. We take a proactive, aggressive approach to mosquito management, because the risk of Japanese Encephalitis Virus, Ross River and Barmah Forest virus is always there.”
Mosquitoes are mostly active in South East Queensland during the warmer months from September to April.
For more information, visit City of Moreton Bay’s mosquito management website.
How you can help
Residents are encouraged to take precautions as well to protect themselves and their properties.
“We can’t be everywhere all of the time, so we’re asking residents to help fight mozzie outbreaks by emptying pooling or stagnate water and monitoring their yards for potential breeding grounds,” Mayor Flannery says.
“Things like pot plants, your pet’s water bowl and anything that holds water can turn into a breeding ground. Be vigilant.”
Here are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself and drive down mosquito numbers:
• The best and easiest defence is to wear mozzie repellent, especially in the late afternoon and evening.
• Check containers around the backyard and all outdoor areas, such as plant saucers, buckets, pet bowls and even large palm fronds. Empty them regularly; anything unattended for five days can become a breeding ground.
• Place a fan with the air blowing away from you if you are entertaining outdoors—mozzies don’t like flying into the air current.
• Local hardware stores have barrier sprays (active ingredient BiFenthrin). These products are used as a barrier treatment and can be effective in reducing adult mosquito numbers for up to 6 weeks.
Related Stories
Top Stories
"Premier" plans for prime site
Plans for a “premier” hotel on one of Moreton Bay region’s most high-profile blocks of land, will take a significant step forward this week.
Memorial match for Brett
Popular Stories
Master Plan revealed for harbour
The future of Scarborough Harbour has been unveiled today in a new Master Plan launched by the State Government. Check out harbour plan graphic.
Move to secure affordable housing
The State Government has bought 29 homes on the Redcliffe Peninsula, which had been part of the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) and were likely to go back to the general rental pool. Here's what is happening
Photos: 2024 Redcliffe Dolphins Awards winners
Redcliffe Dolphins fan favourite Trai Fuller won the top gong at the club’s awards dinner last night. See the full list of winners + photo gallery