Moore Park Beach mosquitoes about to cop a spray

Mosquitoes have been bugging residents of Moore Park Beach and they're about to cop a spray from Bundaberg Regional Council.

Mozzies have been very active in the coastal township and a control program will begin on Wednesday morning.

Council rangers visited the site recently and confirmed a significant outbreak.

Areas around the lagoon, bushland near the state school and the large firebreak at Royal Boulevard will be included in control measures.

“Around 75 per cent of the complaints originate from residents around the lagoon and this area will be treated,” divisional councillor Jason Bartels said.

According to the Local Government Association of Queensland, mosquito eggs laid on damp surfaces are usually drought resistant.

“The eggs remain viable and dormant until the pool, container or cavity is filled by rain water, irrigation or tidal water,” the mosquito management code of practice says.

“This explains why there are outbreaks of mosquitoes within a week or two of rain after a long dry spell.”

A council spokesman said Moore Park Beach residents were advised to avoid the area while control measures are being implemented.

Help win the war on mozzies

People can assist with mozzie management by following some simple steps:

• Check rainwater tanks. Unscreened tanks or damaged screens enable mosquitoes to enter and lay eggs inside the tank.
• Check playground equipment. Tyre swings can hold water and are a favoured breeding site for mosquitoes. It is recommended to drill holes in the bottom of the tyre so water drains out.
• Check rubbish items, buckets and containers that may hold water. Any item that holds water for an extended time will provide a mosquito breeding site.
• Empty, dry and clean any items capable of holding water, or store it under cover.
• Pot plant bases should be filled with sand to prevent mosquito breeding.

You can protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites by:

• Apply insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing especially if you are outside at dawn or dusk.
• Use insect surface spray, mosquito coils or plug-in insecticide devices indoors.
• Repair defective insect screens or fitting new screens.
• Use bed nets, when applicable.
• For more information visit Queensland Health.

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