After a cold winter we all tend to look forward to the warm and balmy summer days and evenings.
However, with the warmer weather one thing we don’t welcome is the arrival of the mosquito breeding season.
With another wet summer forecast, council is continuing the fight against these blood-sucking pests with an ongoing citywide treatment and monitoring program.
We want to get ahead of the game and minimise the potential threats of mosquito-borne viruses.
Council has taken several proactive steps to protect the community. Not only have we launched our own comprehensive surveillance and awareness campaign, but we have also joined forces with our neighbouring councils.
The South East Queensland Mosquito taskforce was formed earlier this year on the back of the floods and the emergence of the Japanese Encephalitis virus (JEV) across Australia for the first time.
At this point in time there have been no cases of JEV reported locally however council has moved to implement a proactive mosquito management campaign with the heighted threat and on top of the more widely known Ross River virus.
Where possible we want to stop mosquitos early in the breeding cycle to protect the community from these mosquito-borne illnesses.
We will be ramping up efforts to survey and treat mosquito sites across the city through various methods including drone and all-terrain vehicles in difficult-to-access areas.
While Council has pest management specialists working to inspect and treat known breeding sites there are some simple steps residents can take to reduce breeding on their own properties.
From minimising stagnant water in items such as wheelbarrows and garden pots to wearing protective clothing when outside, especially during the early morning and late afternoon.
Be vigilant and take any steps possible to limit potential mosquito breeding on your own property and protect yourself from mosquito bites.
