Council survey to detect mozzies around homes

Mosquito control will be in the spotlight when Fraser Coast Regional Council and Queensland Health staff survey a selection of houses across the region this month to check for breeding sites.

Cr John Weiland said about a hundred homes on the Fraser Coast would be visited as part of the two-day mosquito survey.

“Mosquitoes can carry serious diseases like Ross River virus that you can catch if bitten, and items that hold water provide perfect conditions for mosquitoes to breed,” he said.

“Council Public Health officers and Queensland Health staff will ask residents for permission to check for mosquitoes breeding in standing water around their houses.

“The mozzie survey is designed to increase understanding of the prevalence of mosquitoes in the region and share the message with the community about how they can help control mosquito numbers.

“Mosquitoes can fly many kilometres, but if they’re breeding in pots on your patio, they don’t have far to go to find someone to bite.”

Cr Weiland said residents could take simple but effective steps to minimise the risk of mosquito bites.

“Applying insect repellent, wearing loose clothes to cover arms and legs and wearing closed-in shoes can significantly increase protection against mosquito bites,” he said.

“At least once a week, empty all flower vases, old tyres, bird baths, drip trays under pot plants and other containers that hold water. Thoroughly wipe the inside of the containers to remove any mosquito eggs. To prevent the spread of eggs, dispose of the cloth in a bin.

“Keep roof guttering in good condition and regularly remove leaves to prevent pools of water from forming. If it can hold water, it can breed mosquitoes, and as the weather warms up, this process is much faster.”

More information about preventing mosquito bites and removing potential breeding sites is available at https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/all/prevention/prevent-mosquito-bites