Help stop mosquitoes breeding
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With the current warm weather and recent rainfall mosquitoes have become active. It is a timely reminder to the community to be proactive in reducing mosquito breeding in their own back yards.
Mosquitoes can carry viruses such as Ross River Fever, Barmah Forest Virus and your dogs can also contract heart worm.
You can help control mosquitoes around your home by taking the following steps:
- Pot plant bases: Preferably dispose of the base altogether. Alternatively, empty and clean the base weekly or put sand in it to absorb the water.
- Tins, tyres, jars, toys and rubbish items: Any items left lying around the yard that hold water will breed mosquitoes. Store under cover and dispose of all unwanted items.
- Roof gutters: Clean out leaves and other debris regularly. Cut back and trim trees. Blocked gutters will breed mosquitoes.
- Bromeliads and other water holding plants: Other than removing the plants altogether use a high pressure hose to remove any mosquito larvae.
- Rainwater, wells and drums: Large water holding containers must be screened with wire gauze no coarser than 1mm mesh.
- Bird baths, fish ponds and ornamental ponds: Clean weekly to remove mosquito larvae. Keep Australian native fish in your ponds.
- Swimming pools: Keep chlorinated and regularly operate the pool pump all year round.
- Drains or depressions: Maintain drains to allow for water flow. Fill in any depressions to prevent
- water ponding.
For further information on mosquitoes and mosquito management, please visit Council’s website or contact Council’s Environmental Health team on 4189 9100 or email here.
