Mosquito Control
Mosquitoes need water to breed. Pooling or ponding water that is stagnant (not flowing) has the potential to be a mosquito breeding site.
Mosquitoes can transfer vector borne diseases such as Ross River Virus, Barmah Forrest, and Dengue Fever, and can cause Heartworm in dogs. For this reason it is important that you do not allow mosquitoes to breed on your property.
Most mosquito species are active around dusk and the two hours after dusk, but some species are active throughout the day. They are more prolific in the summer months, breeding any time from October to April. If you are outside at dusk during summer ensure that you are wearing a loose fitting long shirt and pants and apply mosquito repellant.
Mosquito Facts:
- mosquitoes can go from an egg to adult in one week in hot summer conditions,
- breeding sites can include fresh, salt, clean or polluted water depending on the species,
- healthy wetlands are not significant breeding sites as they support a balanced ecosystem containing natural predators of mosquito and its larvae,
- females mosquitoes are the ones that bite. They need blood to develop eggs,
- male mosquitoes feed on honeydew and nectar,
- female mosquitoes can lay up to 200 eggs at a time,
- mosquitoes find us by detecting warmth, moisture, carbon dioxide (which we breath out) and by sight at close distances.
Mosquito control is regulated under the Public Health Act 2005 and Regulation and outlines requirements for eliminating breeding sites.
Is Your Backyard a Mosquito Paradise?
The five major breeding sites around the home are:
- Ponding water,
- Pot Plant Bases,
- Roof Guttering,
- Tyres,
- Collections of rubbish
Ponding Water
Pools of still and shallow water attract mosquitoes wishing to breed. Fill them with soil or sand and plant over with grass or attractive plants.
Pot Plant Bases
The shallow warmed water in pot plant bases is ideal for mosquito breeding. A pot plant base can support up to 150 mosquito larvae. Place sand in bases to absorb extra moisture and empty bases regularly, wiping each out with a cloth to remove mosquito eggs.
Roof Guttering
Clogged and unmaintained guttering prevents rainwater escaping. Keep tree branches away from gutters and check gutters for leaves and obstructions regularly.
Tyres
Disused tyres are not only unsightly, they can hold water and provide an ideal warm site for mosquito breeding.Dispose of old tyres appropriately or store them undercover. Drill holes in tyres used as childrens swings to allow water to drain.
Collections of Rubbish
Not only are collections of disused items around the home attractive to vermin such as rats and mice, they can hold small pools of water for mosquito breeding. Dispose of all disused items around the house at Council's Transfer Station and store items for future use in a tidy fashion, preferrably undercover. Ensure drums and other containers capable of holding water are stored upside down.
Breeding Sites You May Not Have Thought Of:
- Cavities in bricks,
- Water holding plants such as bomeliaeds and staghorns,
- Bird baths,
- Childrens wading pools and unclorinated swimming pools,
- Boats and dinghies,
- Flower vases,
- Unstocked fish ponds,
Personal Protection From Mosquitoes
- Screen windows and doors or use mosquito nets over beds and cots.
- Avoid going outside at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- If you must go outside, use a repellant and wear loose long sleeved shirts and trousers.
- Air conditioning, fans, mosquito coils and plug in mosquito repellants can be used to discourage mosquitoes.
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