The receding flood waters and continuing rain are creating ideal conditions for mosquito breeding. There are likely to be a significant increase in the numbers of mosquitos as there are many temporary pools in paddocks and salt marsh areas and water filled containers around homes. These provide a perfect breeding habitat for mosquitoes.
‘We are likely to see mosquitos in massive numbers after this flood and the bites are not just annoying, they have the potential to pass on serious diseases such as Barmah Forrest and Ross River Fever,” said Tweed Council’s manager building and environmental health David McNicoll.
They are reminding people to empty any containers, old tyres, buckets pot plant holder and poorly aligned or blocked roof gutters.
What you can do:
- Keep indoors at dawn and dusk and wear long sleeve shirts and insect repellent if the mosquitoes are active.
- Ensure you cover all windows, doors, chimneys, vents and other entrances with insect screens that are in good condition.
- Keep your yard well-maintained, mow lawns regularly, and limit areas of dense vegetation.
- Clean up your yard and remove all water holding containers or rubbish and keep house gutters clean and properly aligned.
- Empty and refill pet water bowls and bird baths at least weekly.
- Ensure all openings to water tanks and septic tanks are screened securely.
- Place sand or fine gravel in pot plant trays, or flush them out weekly.
- Keep ornamental ponds stocked with native fish species that will feed on larvae.
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