Mossies on the return as weather warms, Redland council warns

Redland City Council is encouraging all residents to go on the warpath over mossies and search their backyards for breeding sites like pots.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the rain, coupled with warmer weather, provided ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes but there were measures people could take to protect themselves.

“With the recent wet conditions, council will increase its inspections of known breeding sites and we encourage everyone to do the same in their own backyards, Cr Williams said.

“Mosquitoes are endemic in our coastal environment and it is impossible to eradicate them completely, but everyone in the community can take simple steps to assist council in our efforts to reduce numbers.

“People are often surprised how little water it takes for mosquitoes to breed – even the water at the bottom of a pot plant base is enough.

“Now is the perfect time to check your yard, emptying water pooling in items such as toys, boats, fallen palm fronds, blocked roof gutters and old tyres.

“It’s also timely to check your insect screens are in good condition and in areas where mosquitoes and biting midges are particularly prevalent, consider treating screens with a UV stable insecticide.

“For personal protection from biting midges and mosquitoes residents should avoid being outside during peak activity periods at dusk and dawn where possible, use insect repellent and wear light-coloured, long, loose fitting clothing.”

Cr Williams said council had a year-round program to battle mosquitoes, particularly in coastal areas like the bay Islands.

“We conduct both aerial treatments of larger sites following major tides or rain events, as well as our ongoing ground treatments,” she said.

“We try to target the mosquito larvae or ‘wrigglers’, before they can fly and bite and run an inspection program to monitor larvae numbers and the efficacy of our treatments.

“Council is unable to treat biting midge larvae, as their prime breeding grounds are natural coastal habitats where it is illegal to spray with the required insecticides.”