Media Release - Mosquito Management

Council would like residents to be aware that recent rain has caused an increase in mosquito breeding sites throughout the Shire.

To combat nuisance mosquitoes and limit the spread of mosquito-borne viruses Council conducts a systematic mosquito control program on Council land and unallocated State land.

Council uses environmentally friendly control products that have been developed and approved specifically for mosquito control activities, whilst protecting public health and our natural environment. These deterrents target mosquito larvae in water bodies and prevent them from maturing into adult mosquitoes. Through the control program, both fresh water and salt water sources are treated, including underground road drains in built up areas.

Residents can also purchase low cost mosquito larvicide pellets to be deployed around their property from Council’s Main Office, 25 Lannercost Street, Ingham. NOMOZ® Pellets prevent mosquito larvae from developing into adult mosquitoes for up to six months and can be used in small natural and artificial containers around your property.

Councillor Lancini said ‘Council’s approach to mosquito control kills mosquito larvae whilst not adversely impacting the rest of the ecosystem.’

‘Residents play an important role in the management of mosquitoes by spraying their own yards with available domestic products, using personal protection methods such as appropriate clothing and repellents, and by ensuring that they remove any potential breeding sites around the home’.

Council urges residents to assist in reducing the impact of mosquitoes on their own properties by taking personal measures on their properties including:

• Inspect your property for pools of accumulated water and empty these. This includes ensuring that all drainage is functioning correctly as mosquitoes breed in standing water.
• Dispose of all tins, jars, tyres, palm fronds and other items that may hold water.
• Empty all flower vases, pot plants and other receptacles that hold water and put sand around the bases of pot plants to absorb water. Thoroughly wipe the inside of containers with a paper towel to remove mosquito eggs.
• Use a high pressure spray from a garden hose to kill mosquito larvae which breed in plants that hold pools of water, such as bromeliads.
• Spray your own home with long-acting household insect surface spray to control mosquitoes and other household pests such as cockroaches and spiders - mosquitoes like to rest in dark areas indoors so you should use household surface sprays under furniture (e.g. beds, tables and sofas) and behind curtains.

For more information visit the Hinchinbrook Shire Council website, Mosquitoes page.