Mosquito warning across the Tweed

17 October 2017

Containers around homes a haven for mosquitoes

Council is calling on residents to do their bit to reduce mosquito breeding habitat around their homes, as the recent tide and rainfall events across the Tweed Shire have created ideal conditions for mosquito breeding.

Council’s Pest Management Supervisor, Brian Falkner, said the rains, coupled with high tides, have caused temporary pools of water which provide great breeding habitat for mosquitoes.

“This is a concern, given the potential of serious mosquito-borne infections, as well as the general nuisance factor from these biting insects,” Mr Falkner said.

“As a matter of priority, Council has been carrying out mosquito larvae control works in key breeding areas by air and through ground works. We will be doing this on an ongoing basis while this problem persists.

“An important message that we would like to send out to the community is that some mosquito species breed in water-filled containers around your home, such as buckets, old tyres, poorly-aligned roof gutters and pot plant holders. It is very important that you don’t let your home be a haven for mosquitoes and their larvae,” he said.

What you can do:

· Keep your yard well-maintained, mow lawns regularly, and limit areas of dense vegetation

· Ensure you cover all windows, doors, chimneys, vents and other entrances with insect screens that are in good condition

· 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

For more information visit www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/PestManagement