A drone-based plan to inspect and treat ponds and dams in Logan aims to protect the community from mosquito-related discomfort and health risks.
Logan City Council pest management officers conduct 760+ inspections of water-holding sites each year – employing safe treatments to combat mosquitoes without harm to humans, animals, or the environment.
Drones and all-terrain vehicles are used to inspect difficult-to-access mosquito breeding areas.
Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, which in Logan is found in containers, drains, ponds, pools, dams and tide-affected land along the Logan River.
Mosquito-born illnesses prevalent in south-east Queensland include diseases like Ross River Virus and Barmah Forest Virus, as well as heartworm in dogs.
Logan City council has asked residents to help out in the battle of the bugs, specifically by:
- Tipping out any water in items such as wheelbarrows, garden pot saucers or tarpaulins.
- Avoiding outdoor activity, when possible, during the early morning and late afternoon – if you need to go outside, use physical barriers like nets on prams and wear light-coloured long-sleeve shirts and pants.
- Applying insect repellent (preferably containing DEET)
- Checking the integrity of insect screens
- Using a knock-down insect spray in living areas
Council experts advised locals to keep gutters clean, fill pot plant bases with sand, dispose of fallen palm fronds and chlorinate swimming pools.
Local residents with ponds, dams and other permanent water bodies on their properties also access to six free native fish that can be used to help combat mosquitoes.
For more information visit www.logan.qld.gov.au/mosquitoes.
