Heavy rainfall sees increase in mosquito numbers across Livingstone

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Published
2nd December 2021

Council’s vector management team is continuing its great work in helping to control mosquito numbers across Livingstone, following the recent heavy rainfall. 

Councillor Andrea Friend, Portfolio Holder of Water, Waste Management and the Environment, said residents are being urged to take care around the home and implement measures to safeguard themselves ahead of the expected increase in mosquito numbers.

“With a total rainfall of 251.8mm recorded for Yeppoon for the month of November, Council’s vector management officers have seen a significant increase in mosquito numbers caught in their light traps, as well as an increase in misting requests,” Cr Friend said.   

“The officers work hard year-round to minimise numbers through larvae control and are being proactive through an increase in salt marsh surveillance inspections due to the high tides occurring this weekend. Fresh water inspections are also undertaken following heavy rainfall.

“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 Virus, Dengue Fever, and Barmah Forest Virus,” Cr Friend said.

“It is very important to apply repellent and wear long, loose 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 twice 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

For more information on Council’s pest management, visit

https://www.livingstone.qld.gov.au/living-here/my-environment/pest-management-and-biosecurity