February 4, 2013
South Burnett Regional Council is urging residents to be on the lookout to reduce mosquito breeding in their backyards in the wake of the recent floods.
Stagnant water left after rain can be a great breeding ground for disease-carrying mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes can carry Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus in the South Burnett.
There is no known risk of Dengue in the area at this time.
You can reduce mosquitoes around your home by:
- Inspecting your house and yard and removing any pools and containers of water;
- Empty pot plant bases weekly or fill the base with sand to absorb water;
- Wash out bromeliads and other water-holding plants weekly;
- Clean out roof gutters regularly and trim back trees which can block gutters;
- Ensure rainwater tanks are screened;
- Maintain swimming pools;
- Wash out birdbaths and ornamental pools weekly; and
- Ensure ponds are stocked with suitable native fish.
What you can do to protect yourself:
- Screen all windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes coming inside;
- While outside wear long sleeved, loose-fitting clothing;
- Use insect repellent;
- If you live in an unscreened house or are camping, sleep under a mosquito net;
- Air-conditioning, fans and mosquito coils are also effective in protecting you from mosquitoes;
- Drains or depressions: Maintain drains to allow for water flow and fill in any depressions to prevent water ponding;
- Swimming pools: Keep chlorinated and regularly operate the pool pump;
Fact sheets for residents about mosquitoes are available from Council’s website
