Mosquitoes

• Directly in water, or 

• On the sides of containers that may later fill with water 

• Larvae (wrigglers), which feed on organic matter in water 

• Pupae, the stage before becoming an adult 

Most mosquitoes travel less than 2km from where they hatch. 

However, some species can travel much further — up to 50 kilometres — when assisted by favourable wind conditions. 

This is why local breeding sites around homes and neighbourhoods play a major role in mosquito numbers. 

While Council undertakes mosquito control programs, the most effective protection comes from actions taken by residents. 

You can reduce mosquito breeding by removing or managing items that hold water, such as: 

• Plant pots and bases 

• Buckets, wheelbarrows and garden tools 

• Tarps and plastic sheeting 

• Tyres 

• Any unused containers 

Ensure there is no pooling water in your yard. Blocked gutters are a common breeding site when leaves prevent water from draining properly. 

Uneven ground that allows water to pool should be reshaped or drained where possible.

Rainwater tanks 

If you have a rainwater tank: 

• Check regularly that screens and meshes are intact 

• Mesh openings must be less than 1mm 

Ponds and dams 

If you have a pond or dam on your property: 

• Stock it with fish that feed on mosquito larvae 

• Refresh bird bath and pet bowl water regularly 

• Avoid allowing water to stand for long periods 

• Council supplies NOMOZ® mosquito larvicide pellets(PDF, 1MB) for use in small water‑holding containers around the home 

• NOMOZ® pellets prevent mosquito larvae from developing into adult mosquitoes 

• When used as directed, NOMOZ® pellets do not harm birds, pets or other animals 

Low‑cost NOMOZ® mosquito larvicide pellets are available from Council’s Main Office, 25 Lannercost Street, Ingham. 

Under the Public Health Regulation 2005, property owners and occupiers must take reasonable steps to ensure that water or other liquids on their property do not become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. 

Managing standing water helps reduce mosquito numbers and protects public health across the community. 

Where mosquito breeding is not addressed, Council may take compliance action in accordance with legislation. 

You can reduce mosquito bites by: 

• Using personal insect repellents 

• Wearing long‑sleeved, tightly woven clothing 

• Avoiding outdoor activity at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active 

In outdoor or indoor seating areas you can: 

• Use mosquito coils or citronella candles 

• Use plug‑in chemical dispersers 

Mosquitoes struggle to fly in moving air.

Using: 

• Ceiling fans 

• Pedestal or plug‑in fans 

can help deter them, especially when airflow is directed under tables and seating areas. 

Ensure fly screens on windows and doors are fitted and in good condition.