Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has today launched a sting on mosquitoes across over 30 suburbs as Brisbane recovers from one of the worst flooding events in history.
Cr Schrinner said expert entomologists employed by Council’s renowned mosquito management program had given the green light to start spraying known breeding sites.
“In the aftermath of one of the worst floods in Brisbane’s history, we’re facing our next challenge: keeping mosquitoes under control,” Cr Schrinner said.
“After days of volatile weather conditions, the timing is now right to launch our post-flood attack on mozzies before they become a pest to residents.
“We will have all of our on-ground mosquito spraying arsenal in action, which includes an expanded fleet of 21 spray trucks, four all-terrain vehicles and the newest addition, two electric mozzie buggies.
“About 1400 of our known 2400 breeding sites were triggered by the recent rainfall and the action we take now will put a stop to a severe post-flood mosquito problem.”
Cr Schrinner reminded residents of the vital part they played in mosquito protection and urged people to scour their properties for empty bodies of water.
“There has been a lot of rain and a lot of water is still around, so I ask residents to play their part and please prepare their homes for mosquito season by keeping their yards empty of any water-holding containers in which mosquitoes can breed, such as buckets, pot plants saucers and bird baths,” he said.
“Make sure windows, and all openings on rainwater tanks, are screened and ensure roof gutters are not blocked with leaves.”
Cr Schrinner said Council’s mosquito treatment was about treating larvae before they hatch.
“What a lot of people also don’t realise is that once mosquitoes have hatched, protecting yourself from being bitten is as straightforward as using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and trousers,” he said.
Brisbane is the only local government authority to employ two expert entomologists to address mosquito activity and undertakes treatment based on their advice.
Further work is done with the Queensland Institute of Medical Research Berghofer and Queensland Health to support the latest mosquito research and developments.
Suburbs targeted today Monday 7 March:
- Brighton
- Pinkenba
- Enoggera
- Gaythorne
- Mitchelton
- Keperra
- Ferny Grove
- The Gap
- Grange
- Everton Park
- Milton
- Toowong
- Mt Crosby
- Karana Downs
- Chelmer
- Graceville
- Corinda
- Sherwood
- Oxley
- Richlands
- Bulimba
- Balmoral
- Morningside
- Seven Hills
- Carina
- Camp Hill
- Norman Park
- Carindale
- Belmont
- Gumdale
- Burbank
- Cannon Hill
- Murarrie
- Hemmant
- Bald Hills
- Tingalpa