Recent rainfall has sparked a surge in mosquito activity across the Sunshine Coast, with a council urging residents to take action to prevent breeding around their homes.
Saltmarsh mosquitoes are common across the region and Noosa Council has stepped up monitoring and treatment of tidal marshes, particularly after high tides over 1.6 metres in the Noosa River.
Freshwater areas, including local dams, drains and low-lying backyards, have also become breeding grounds following the wet weather.
Noosa Council environmental health coordinator Haylee Fox said controlling mosquitoes was essential as some species could transmit diseases such as Ross River virus.
“Mosquitoes can breed in everyday backyard items like bird baths, plant pots, wheelbarrows, and anything that holds water,” Ms Fox said.
“Eggs can remain dormant for months and hatch within days once activated by water.”
Residents across the Sunshine Coast are being urged to take simple steps to reduce mosquito breeding, including emptying or removing water-holding containers weekly, keeping gutters clear, screening tanks, maintaining pools and drains, and checking properties for standing water.
To protect against mosquito-borne diseases, experts recommend wearing long, loose-fitting clothing, using repellents containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, installing screens on windows and doors, protecting infants with pram and cot nets, and avoiding outdoor activity at peak mosquito times at dawn and dusk.
More tips are available on the Queensland Health website.
