Since the recent rain, Redland City Council’s mosquito management team has been out in force and will today be undertaking aerial treatments across Redlands Coast.

A helicopter will be used to spray Birkdale (including Tingalpa Creek), Wellington Point, Thornlands, Victoria Point, Redland Bay, North Stradbroke Island and all the Southern Moreton Bay Islands as well as the uninhabited islands of Long Island, Lagoon Island, Pannikin Island, Garden Island and Peel Island, where mosquitoes are known to breed.

Ground treatments will occur simultaneously in sites where aerial application is not suitable, including Victoria Point, Cleveland, Capalaba, Thorneside, Mount Cotton, Redland Bay, Thornlands, Birkdale, Wellington Point, Macleay Island, Russell Island, Lamb Island, Karragarra Island and Coochiemudlo Island.

These treatments are safe for residents, animals and the environment.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the rain had added to the ideal mosquito breeding conditions already being experienced throughout south-east Queensland.

“Here at Redlands Coast we are especially affected by these weather conditions, with saltmarsh (Aedes vigilax) mosquitoes being endemic in our coastal environments.

“With increased mosquito numbers has come an influx of enquiries about Council’s year-round mosquito management program.

“That’s understandable with mosquitoes causing a nuisance across the Redlands due to the combination of an extended dry period over summer, astronomically high tides in February, the current warm weather and now rain.

“Council’s mosquito management team is working hard to identify where mosquitoes are currently breeding and undertaking ground and aerial treatments of these areas.

“These treatments target the newly hatched larvae (wrigglers) of mosquitoes before they can fly, as this is the most effective way to treat them.

“As the adults can fly up to 50 kilometers, treating wrigglers in their coastal breeding environments also benefits neighbouring suburbs.

“Our officers also work collaboratively with neighbouring Councils to organise aerial treatments of trouble spots along local government boundaries, such as Tingalpa Creek at Birkdale.

“To keep the community informed, Council has updated its mosquito webpage with a list of the latest mosquito treatments, including the dates and suburbs treated.

“While Council undertakes year round mosquito management, I urge residents to protect themselves during peak breeding season (November to April) by covering up, wearing light coloured, long loose-fitting clothing and using insect repellent.

“As well as listing mosquito treatments, Council’s website offers practical advice to follow if mosquitoes are a problem in your area.”

For more information, visit Council’s mosquito webpage .