Council ramps up Mosquito misting

Published on 24 March 2016

Rockhampton Regional Council has ramped up its mosquito misting program this month in response to increased requests following recent rain events.

The wet weather has caused the emergence of Aedes and Culex mosquito species, both capable of carrying Ross River virus.

Council’s CEO Evan Pardon said during the summer months, misting is a major activity undertaken by Council’s Vector Management Unit.

“During February, Council responded to 23 misting requests and so far this month Council has responded to 87 requests,” he said.

“We are also proactively misting known hot spots around the Region in addition to these requests.

“We continue to encourage people to reduce risk of mosquitos in and around your home by removing sources that contain water where mosquitos can breed and protect yourself by wearing long sleeved, loose-fitting clothing when outside and use insect repellent.”

Preventative measures include:

• 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 water-holding plants 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 weekly
• Ensure ponds are stocked with suitable native fish
• Store anything that can hold water undercover or in a dry place, including work equipment, surplus materials or trailers, and keep bins covered
• Throw out any rubbish lying around like unused or empty containers, tyres, additional materials and keep worksites tidy.

What you can do to protect yourself:

• Screen all windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes coming inside
• Wear long sleeved, loose-fitting clothing when outside
• Use insect repellent
• If you live in an unscreened house or are camping, sleep under a mosquito net
• Air-conditioning, fans and mosquito coils are also effective in protecting you from mosquitoes.