Tackling mozzies from the air

The first aerial mosquito spraying of the summer season was conducted over the weekend.

Aerial treatment on Saturday was in Rothwell, Clontarf, Kippa-Ring, Griffin, Mango Hill, Lawnton, Deception Bay, Uhlmann Rd and Burpengary East.

Sunday’s target areas included Beachmere, Ningi, Donnybrook, Toorbul, Elimbah, and Bribie Island.

Moreton Bay City Council’s Vector Control Team (VCT) has been monitoring rainfall and tide levels which can trigger a hatch of mosquito larvae.

Mayor Peter Flannery said the team’s daily efforts are crucial in controlling both mosquito numbers and the threat of disease.

Tides over 2.5m can be a trigger for saltmarsh mosquito. Rain also helps fresh water and container breeding.

The VCT uses light traps to monitor adult mozzie numbers and target on-ground treatments, so lessening the risk of disease, particularly Ross River fever and Barmah Forest virus.

With Queensland Health, the VCT also monitors for exotic mosquito species known to carry viruses and diseases such as Japanese encephalitis and Dengue fever.

Council’s VCT manages the aerial spraying of mosquito larvicide, treating around 30,000 hectares of saltmarsh each year.

Ground treatments such as insecticide barrier and fogging are used to manage adult mosquito numbers in high public-use areas.

VCT also works with research bodies on the best use and testing new products and equipment, as well as sampling and trapping to identify invasive species and detect mosquito-borne virus.

“Recently the team participated in a field trial with Queensland Institute of Medical Research Berghofer around the application of insecticide to vegetation barriers for the reduction of midge and mosquitoes,” Mayor Flannery said.

You can help by emptying containers, plant saucers and buckets, clearing blocked gutters, changing water bird baths and pet bowls regularly and checking rainwater tanks for gaps.

For more visit www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/Environment/Invasive-Plants-Pest-Animals/Mosquito-Management