Mosquito control

The breeding season is at its peak from September to May, but breeding does happen all year round.

• Use repellent containing DEET if you are outside.
• Wear long sleeve shirts and trousers. Light colours are best.
• Check around your home for containers holding water and empty them.
• Check items such as BBQ covers which may be holding water.

• Spray screens with a deterrent.  
• Increase light and air movement around dark and damp areas.
• Treat outdoor areas with products containing Bifenthrin for control over longer periods.
• Limit time outside around dawn and dusk.
• Reduce the amount of shrubbery around the house.
• Throw out containers in the yard that hold water (eg. tyres, tins, jars, etc).
• Change water in bird baths and pet bowls often.
• Clean roof gutters on a regular basis.
• Empty pot plant saucers every week or fill them with sand.
• Keep swimming pools clean and chlorinated.
• Keep ornamental ponds and fountains stocked with fish.
• Create a frog friendly garden.

Rainwater tanks can provide ideal conditions for mosquitoes and midges to breed. A tiny hole will allow mosquitoes into the tank and the chance for thousands of larvae to develop.

• Check tanks on a regular basis. Checks should include the screens on every opening, such as the overflow.
• Containers that hold rainwater, such as drums or mobile tanks are ideal mosquito breeding spots. Fit any holes with mosquito-proof screens.

See the Queensland Health website http://www.health.qld.gov.au/mozziediseases for information on mosquito diseases and alerts.