Mar2012_COUNCIL TARGETS FLOOD MOSQUITOES
Moreton Bay Regional Council will continue to monitor mosquito numbers and breeding conditions in the Moreton Bay Region following recent heavy rainfall.
Division 7 Councillor David Dwyer said mosquito populations were expected to increase due to the recent rain, flooding and high tides experienced throughout much of South East Queensland. He said Murrumba Downs was expected to be hit hard with areas of pooling water still inaccessible for treatment.
"Council spends more than $1.4million annually on its mosquito control program – which has been effective in reducing mozzie numbers in the Moreton Bay Region, " Cr Dwyer said.
"However, recent conditions have created ideal breeding grounds for mozzies, with freshwater pooling in backyards and natural ponds.
"Mosquitoes tend to multiply rapidly in the right weather conditions, and often there’s only a small window of opportunity available to treat breeding hot spots.
“While some tidal salt marshes remain inaccessible, council is already targeting known breeding sites near residential areas including freshwater habitats, drains, parks and other waterways," Cr Dwyer said.
"Barrier controls, ground treatments and fogging are being used to reduce adult populations while aerial spraying has now begun to combat mosquito larvae. Aerial treatments will continue over the coming weeks, weather permitting.”
Cr Dwyer encouraged residents to play their role in helping to reduce mozzie numbers around the home.
“Households can have a big impact on mosquito numbers,” Cr Dwyer said.
“Simply check and empty pot plants, old tyres and old containers that have collected water around your property.”
For more information on mozzie proofing your family visit http://www.health.qld.gov.au/ or http://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/
"Council spends more than $1.4million annually on its mosquito control program – which has been effective in reducing mozzie numbers in the Moreton Bay Region, " Cr Dwyer said.
"However, recent conditions have created ideal breeding grounds for mozzies, with freshwater pooling in backyards and natural ponds.
"Mosquitoes tend to multiply rapidly in the right weather conditions, and often there’s only a small window of opportunity available to treat breeding hot spots.
“While some tidal salt marshes remain inaccessible, council is already targeting known breeding sites near residential areas including freshwater habitats, drains, parks and other waterways," Cr Dwyer said.
"Barrier controls, ground treatments and fogging are being used to reduce adult populations while aerial spraying has now begun to combat mosquito larvae. Aerial treatments will continue over the coming weeks, weather permitting.”
Cr Dwyer encouraged residents to play their role in helping to reduce mozzie numbers around the home.
“Households can have a big impact on mosquito numbers,” Cr Dwyer said.
“Simply check and empty pot plants, old tyres and old containers that have collected water around your property.”
For more information on mozzie proofing your family visit http://www.health.qld.gov.au/ or http://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/
