Wet or dry weather: how to keep your backyard free of mozzies
Summer brings ideal conditions for breeding mosquitoes so Ipswich City Council is calling on residents to help make all areas of city and suburbs ‘mozzie-free zones’.
Mosquitoes cause most problems during the summer months and can be constant source of annoyance.
Mosquitoes also carry the potential danger of serious diseases such as Ross River Fever, Barmah Forest Virus, Dengue Fever and can also give your dog heartworm.
Council regularly inspects and, if necessary, treats its own land.
Residents are encouraged to do everything possible to reduce the potential for breeding mozzies.
Other mosquito breeding areas can include cavities in bricks, water holding plants such as bromeliads and stag horns, bird baths, wading pools, boats and dinghies.
These simple steps will help keep backyards mozzie free:
• Tip it – tip water from containers and objects
• Store it – Store items away when not in use
• Throw it – throw away items you do not use
It is also a good idea to wear long-sleeve shirts and pants and covered shoes. In addition, remember that mosquitoes can bite through lightweight tight clothing so wear loose fitting clothing.
Spray repellent on clothing but be careful not to stain or damage clothing.
Where possible fit good quality insect screens to all windows and doors and make sure all other entry points are treated in the same way. Make sure existing screens are in good condition.
For more information contact Ipswich City Council on 3810 6666.
Check these five breeding hotspots weekly:
1. Ponding Water
Pools of still and shallow water attract mosquitoes for breeding. Fill them with soil or sand and plant over with grass or attractive plants.
2. Pot plant bases
The shallow warmed water in pot plant bases is ideal for mosquito breeding. A pot plant base can support up to 150 mosquito larvae. Place sand in bases to absorb extra moisture and empty bases regularly, wiping each out with a cloth to remove mosquito eggs.
3. Blocked Roof guttering
Clogged and unmaintained guttering prevents rainwater escaping. Keep tree branches away from gutters and check gutters for leaves and obstructions regularly.
4. Tyres
Disused tyres are not only unsightly, they can hold water and provide an ideal warm site for mosquito breeding. Dispose of old tyres appropriately or store them undercover. Drill holes in tyres used as play equipment for children to allow water to drain.
5. Collections of rubbish
Piles of rubbish around the home can be attractive to vermin such as rats and mice. They can hold small pools of water for mosquito breeding. Dispose of all disused items around the house at council’s Waste Transfer Stations and store other items for future use, preferably undercover. Check that drums and other containers capable of holding water are stored upside down.
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