Mosquito control program ramps-up after flood
14 March 2022
Recent wet weather and flooding has created perfect conditions for mosquitoes to thrive.
Local Disaster Management Group Chair Mayor Teresa Harding said council has ramped up mosquito control measures and is working alongside south-east councils to manage the issue.
“Some mosquitoes found in and around your house can cause diseases such as Ross River Virus, Barmah Forest Virus and possibly Dengue Fever,” Mayor Harding said.
“We are also asking the community to take extra measures to protect themselves during this mosquito season such as using personal repellent and wearing clothing that protects your skin.”
Council’s mosquito prevention program has been boosted and is now using a post-flood treatment rate which uses up to ten times the usual volume of chemical.
Local Resilience and Recovery Group Chairperson Councillor Kate Kunzelmann said since the recent flood waters receded, council have had two full time officers as well as contractors treating 319 sites that have pooling water as well as sporting fields and parks.
“We have used slow-release pellets to prevent mosquito breeding in Goodna, North Booval, North Ipswich, East Ipswich, Bundamba, Karalee and Black Creek Marburg,” Cr Kunzelmann said.
“The preventative treatments for pooled water are continuing across all of Ipswich and mosquito misting will also be instigated for flood-impacted suburbs and large open areas.”
Mosquitoes breed in standing water and increased numbers of mosquitoes lead to an increased risk of being bitten and contracting mosquito borne diseases.
You can reduce the number of potential breeding sites around your home by cleaning up around your house and yard, removing debris, helping pooling water drain and filling in holes and vehicle wheel ruts.
Follow these steps to ensure mosquitoes do not breed in your backyard:
- TIP IT – Tip water from containers and objects
- STORE IT – Store items away when not in use
- THROW IT – Throw away items you do not use
- Use DEET or Picaridin based insect repellent
- Ensure houses are screened
- Use mosquito zappers or coils
- Wear long-sleeved, light coloured clothing