The prevalence of mosquitoes across the Bundaberg Region requires a concerted effort from residents in conjunction with Council to minimise the risks associated with mosquito-borne infections.
Mosquitoes live and breed in different environments.
Some live and breed in containers holding water around your house and yard while others are found in salt marshes or freshwater pools in the natural environment.
Check out these tips from Council about how you can prevent mosquito breeding around your home:
- Check playground equipment and backyard toys.
- Check rainwater tanks. Unscreened tanks or damaged screens enable female mosquitoes to enter and lay eggs inside the tank.
- Check roof guttering on a regular basis to remove all accumulated debris, such as leaves.
- Any item that holds water for an extended period will provide a mosquito breeding site. Once a week empty, dry and clean any items capable of holding water, or store it under cover, or dispose of it, as appropriate.
You can protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites by:
- Applying insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Wearing long, loose, light-coloured clothing – especially if you are outside at dawn or dusk.
- Using insect surface spray, mosquito coils or plug-in insecticide devices indoors.
- Repairing defective insect screens or fitting new screens, where possible.
- Using bed nets when applicable.
- Contact a licensed pest management technician regarding barrier spraying of home and screens.
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