Mosquitoes are bloodsucking insects, which not only cause a nuisance to residents, but are capable of transmitting certain diseases to humans and animals.
The most common diseases spread by mosquitoes in South East Queensland are Ross River Virus (RRV) and the similar Barmah Forest Virus (BFV). Other mosquito-borne diseases, which could be introduced into the area are: Murray Valley Enchepalitus, Dengue, Japanese Enchepalitus, Malaria and Human Filariasis. Heartworm in dogs is also transmitted by mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes can breed in any fresh or salt water, which remains stagnant for longer than 5 days. This includes containers, drains, ponds, pools, dams and tide-affected land adjacent to the Logan River.
Council monitors and treats all mosquito breeding sites on public land throughout Logan, including roadsides, drains and parks. Council also treats 120 hectares of tide-affected land in Carbrook.
Residents can take steps to help control the number of mosquitoes. This can be achieved by reducing potential breeding sites within their properties by:
- keeping gutters clean;
- filling pot plant bases with sand;
- removing tyres, containers and other items in the yard which could hold water;
- chlorinating swimming pools;
- filling depressions on land which could hold water (check if Council Approval is required for Operational Works. Phone 3412 3412) ; and
- keeping ponds and dams stocked with fish.
Residents can further protect themselves and their families from the risk of disease by:
- wearing light-coloured, loose, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outside;
- using a mosquito repellent when outside;
- avoiding spending time outside during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active;
- screening windows and doors; and
- using other items such as plug-in mosquito repellers, air conditioning, ceiling fans, mosquito nets and mosquito coils.
If you have a rainwater tank it must have mosquito-proof screens and flap valves at every opening to stop mosquitoes passing through. The mesh size must not be more than 1mm. Once the screen has been installed it must be replaced if damaged or destroyed.
For more information contact Council..