Council takes to the skies to target mozzies

Published 21 October 2020

Council is on the front foot against summer mozzie swarms, with the first aerial treatment of the season starting today.

Key areas across Rothwell, Clontarf, Kippa-Ring, Griffin, Mango Hill, Lawnton, Deception Bay, Burpengary East and Beachmere will be targeted following a high tide that inundated saltmarsh areas earlier in the week. 

Mayor Peter Flannery said the aerial and spray treatments will help reduce mozzie numbers and their impacts on residents especially as we enter the hotter months.

“The recent high tides have given our mosquito management team a great opportunity to get on the attack with our first aerial spray of the season,” he said.

“Council’s treatment program uses a natural bacterium called BTI to target mosquito larvae, which reduces the number of mozzies that grow into adults.

“BTI only affects mosquito larvae so has no impacts on humans, animals, bees, food crops or local water supplies.

With the Bureau of Meteorology announcing a La Niña weather event for the upcoming season, Mayor Peter Flannery said we need to prepare for a wet spring and summer which could present perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

“While we can’t eradicate mosquitoes entirely from our communities, Council and Moreton Bay residents can work together to keep numbers down,” he said.

“There’s many steps you can take to protect yourself, your family and your property.

“Clear your gutters and empty any containers around your property which can potentially hold water — as little as 100ml of still water is enough for more than 400 adult mosquitoes to develop in just one week.

“You can also use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and choose lighter-coloured clothing when heading outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.”

For more information on Council’s mosquito treatment, visit www.mbrc.qld.gov.au/mosquitoes