Mozzie program continues during perfect breeding conditions
Published 10 March 2020
The proactive mosquito spraying program of Moreton Bay Regional Council will continue on-ground and in the air today and tomorrow, as part of ongoing efforts to limit mosquito numbers.
Depending on weather conditions Council will start treatments on southern blocks at 1:00 PM on Wednesday 11 March including Rothwell, Clontarf, Kippa-Ring, Griffin, Mango Hill, Lawnton and Deception Bay.
This could continue into Thursday 12 March and Council will continue monitoring all northern areas in the salt marsh areas.
Northern blocks in Burpengary East, Uhlmann Road, Beachmere, Ningi, Donnybrook, Toorbul, Elimbah and Bribie Island have already been treated.
Moreton Bay Regional Council boasts the fastest and most effective mosquito treatment response in the South East thanks to contract arrangements with local aerial contractor, Airworks Helicopters.
Treatment targets mosquito larvae before they have the chance to emerge into adults.
A dedicated team of pest management experts constantly monitor changes in the environment, including weather patterns and tidal flows, so that Council can respond proactively to prevent mass mozzie outbreaks.
Responsiveness is key to success, because there’s a small window of opportunity to target the larvae when they are between the second and third stage of their lifecycle.
By targeting the mosquito larvae where they breed, these treatments reduce the number of mosquitoes that become adults.
Although it’s not possible to eradicate mosquitoes entirely from our communities, Council and residents can work together on keeping their numbers down.
Residents are encouraged to take precautions as well to protect themselves and their properties.
Empty any containers around your property which might be holding water - as little as 100 ml of water is enough for more than 400 adult mosquitoes to develop in just one week.
Spray screens and outdoor surfaces with barrier treatments which contain the active ingredient bifenthrin.
This active ingredient lasts for six to eight weeks and will kill mosquitoes which land where it has been sprayed. It’s readily available from hardware shops.
Wear insect repellent if you’re heading outside at dawn and dusk as these are times when mosquitoes are most active.
For more information visit Council's mosquito management page.