MOSQUITO MANAGEMENT SUNSHINE COAST

This article was taken from the Sunshine Coast Council Website – Factsheet 21/11/2017

The Sunshine Coast region often experiences large numbers of adult mosquitoes over the warmer months. Council has a Pest Management Plan to manage mosquitos and there are actions you can take around your home to minimise the impact to you and your family.

The Sunshine Coast region often experiences large numbers of adult mosquitoes over the warmer months. Optimum breeding conditions are present when tidal and/or rainfall events combine with warmer temperatures and increased humidity.

WHERE DO MOSQUITOS HATCH FROM?

Mosquitoes lay eggs which may remain dormant for many months or years awaiting the opportunity to hatch. High levels of tidal inundation or heavy rainfall enable accumulated dormant eggs in these areas to hatch, leading to increased numbers of mosquitoes.

Some species of mosquito breed in local freshwater and brackish pools, often around dense vegetation. These species tend to have a short flight range and often rest in the surrounding vegetation in close proximity to homes.

SUNSHINE COAST’S MOST POPULAR MOSQUITO

Aedes vigilax is a salt marsh mosquito and the major pest species in our coastal estuaries and river systems. This particular species has a long flight range which, together with onshore winds, can travel up to forty kilometres creating nuisance problems over a large area. Treatment during the larval cycle can help to reduce adult numbers.

COUNCIL’S MOSQUITO MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

The Aedes vigilax is the main target of Council’s aerial treatment program. Mosquito larvae are targeted with specialised products that prevent larvae from developing into productive adults.

With warm and humid weather, the window of opportunity for aerial treatment can be as short as three days.

Council officers conduct routine field surveys to monitor the number of larvae after tidal and rainfall events as well as after aerial treatments.

Council monitors adult numbers of both freshwater and salt marsh mosquitoes. Light traps are also set in a number of locations across the Coast during the season.

Council responds with a course of action suited to the situation such as aerial treatment.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Residents are advised to reduce mosquito breeding as much as possible by undertaking the following actions:

• Repair roof guttering and remove leaves & debris regularly to prevent ponding of water
• Remove overhanging vegetation
• Remove any containers, palm fronds or rubbish around the yard each week which may hold water
• Empty pot plant bases and other containers at least once a week
• Alternatively, place sand around pot plant bases or store the bases for the season
• Keep fish ponds stocked with fish
• Keep swimming pools chlorinated
• Drill holes in tyres used for swings and garden surrounds to allow water to drain
• Ensure rainwater tanks are well maintained and that intake and outlet points are screened with mesh of 1 mm or less
• Ensure screens are fitted to windows and doors and holes mended

PERSONAL PROTECTION

Protect yourself, your family and guests by using these precautions:

• Wear protective clothing outdoors (long pants and sleeves)
• Explore options such as mosquito coils and burners when outdoors
• Use a recommended personal mosquito repellent
• These actions will help protect you and your family from the impact of mosquitoes and reduce your exposure to Ross River Virus and Barmah Forest Virus.
• Council routinely monitors local data on notifiable diseases as provided by Queensland Health.

For more information

Visit our website or contact council through web chat, email, call back, phone or in person.

Current as at July 2017