Residents urged to protect themselves against expected increase in mosquito numbers
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While the recent wet weather has been a welcome change for the region, residents are being urged to take care around the home and implement measures to safeguard themselves ahead of the expected increase in mosquito numbers.
Portfolio Holder of Water, Waste Management and the Environment, Councillor Andrea Friend, said Council’s vector management officers are being proactive controlling mosquitos through salt marsh and fresh water surveillance within Livingstone Shire.
“Mosquito light traps are set across selected areas and the number of species trapped are recorded.
“The number can vary from five to 4,000, depending upon location, rainfall, and season.
“Misting is regularly conducted in identified areas including Kinka Beach, Keppel Sands, and certain areas of Emu Park but we are also attending to sites where requests for treatment have been raised.”
Council is urging residents to protect themselves and their properties from mosquitos by removing any accumulation of water, which is a potential breeding ground around the home and to be aware of peak mosquito activity, predominantly at dusk and dawn.
“Residents should also be aware that some species of mosquitos carry diseases including Ross River, Dengue Fever, and Barmah Forest Virus,” Cr Friend said.
“It is very important to wear repellent and long, lose fitting, lightly coloured clothing when outside.”
Reduce mosquito numbers around your home by:
• Inspecting your house and yard and removing any accumulation of water;
• Empty pot plant bases weekly or fill the base with sand to absorb water;
• Wash out the bromeliads and other water-bearing plants twice weekly;
• Clean out roof gutters regularly and trim back trees which can block gutters;
• Ensure rainwater tanks are screened;
• Maintain swimming pools;
• Wash out birdbaths and ornamental pools twice weekly; and
• Ensure ponds are stocked with suitable native fish.
How to protect yourself:
• Install or repair insect screens on all doors and windows, especially in sleeping areas.
• Wear long sleeved, loose-fitting clothing when outside;
• Use insect repellent;
• Use a plug-in insecticide vaporiser (indoors) or mosquito coils (outdoors);
• If you live in an unscreened house or are camping, sleep under a mosquito net; and
• Air-conditioning and fans are also effective in protecting you from mosquitos