Flying start to mozzie season

Published 7:36am 22 October 2020

The first treatment of the summer mozzie season will start today as Moreton Bay Regional Council takes to the skies.

Key areas across Rothwell, Clontarf, Kippa-Ring, Griffin, Mango Hill, Lawnton, Deception Bay, Burpengary East and Beachmere will be targeted after a high-tide inundated saltmarsh areas this week.

Mayor Peter Flannery said aerial and spray treatments help reduce mozzie numbers and their impacts on residents, especially as we enter the hotter months.

Aerial action

“The recent high tides have given our mosquito management team a great opportunity to get on the attack with our first aerial spray of the season,” he said.

“Council’s treatment program uses a natural bacterium called BTI to target mosquito larvae, which reduces the number of mozzies that grow into adults.

“BTI only affects mosquito larvae so has no impacts on humans, animals, bees, food crops or local water supplies.

Prepare now

With the Bureau of Meteorology announcing a La Niña weather event for the upcoming season, Mayor Peter Flannery said we need to prepare for a wet spring and summer which could present perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

“While we can’t eradicate mosquitoes entirely from our communities, Council and Moreton Bay residents can work together to keep numbers down,” he said.

Simple steps

“There’s many steps you can take to protect yourself, your family and your property.”

These include clearing gutters and emptying containers which can hold water - just 100ml of water is enough for more than 400 adult mosquitoes to develop in just one week.

“You can also use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and choose lighter-coloured clothing when heading outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active,” adds the Mayor.

For more on Council’s mosquito treatment, visit mbrc.qld.gov.au/mosquitoes