Urgent treatment to squash mosquito boom

With perfect mosquito breeding conditions following a week of heavy rain, council crews are already treating breeding grounds to reduce numbers and minimise disease outbreaks.

Mayor Peter Flannery says mozzie numbers will increase because of the amount of water in the region, and urges residents to clear stagnant water to help prevent swarms.

He says crews are assessing and treating all the region’s parks and reserves.

“With our creeks, rivers and waterways all soaked after the storms and flooding, we need to be a step ahead,” Mayor Flannery says.

“We’re targeting fresh water mozzies right now, then when waters recede around salt marshes we will launch aerial treatments in those areas.

“It’s important to note that aerial treatments in the eastern areas target mosquito larvae, not adults which are already flying around.”

Traps will be set next week to monitor adult mosquito numbers after the treatments.

“We urgently need locals to empty pooling water from places like pot plants, old tyres, and even on large palm fronds, so you don’t accidentally create a mozzie breeding ground in your backyard,” Mayor Flannery says.

“Queensland Health has confirmed one human case of Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) in the state, with one Queensland piggery at Goondiwindi also affected.

“JEV is a nationally notifiable disease, spread to people and animals through a bite from an infected mosquito.

“While it’s usually mild, can cause serious illness in some people - but it’s not transmissible person-to-person.

He says the current conditions also mean an outbreak of more common mosquito-bourne diseases such as the Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses is likely.

“We’re doing all we can, but it’s vital the community takes extra measures to protect themselves during this time, because what’s normally an annoying itch could turn very serious.”

Simple steps to squash mosquito numbers

• Wear mozzie repellent, especially in the late afternoon and evening.
• Check containers such as plant saucers, buckets, pet bowls and even large palm fronds and empty them. Left unattended for five days, they can become a breeding ground.
• Entertaining outdoors? Use a fan with the air blowing away from you - mozzies don’t like flying into the air current
• Hardware stores have barrier sprays with the active ingredient BiFenthrin. They are used as a barrier treatment and can be effective in in reducing adult mosquito numbers for up to six weeks.

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