Western Downs Regional Council updated guide to surviving mosquitoes this summer

Western Downs residents are under attack from mosquitos due to a wet start to summer. Here is everything you need to know about how council is managing the attacks, and how people can protect themselves.

Whether residents are trying to indulge in a walk around Myall Creek in Dalby or have left their door open for a few seconds, they will quickly come under fire from mosquitoes that have popped up after the significant rainfall the region has experienced in the past few weeks.

The Western Downs is no stranger to the insect, as council had to take action following the 2022 floods.

Western Downs Regional Council has since adopted a Mosquito Management Plan that enables it to take action in public areas, by spraying a repellent to help prevent mosquito-bourne diseases from spreading in the region.

The plan comes less than two months after Griffith University vector biologist Dr Eloise Skinner said people in parts of Queensland were experiencing a high number of mosquitoes in their homes.

“The reason for that is clearly because of the weather system that we’ve been having lately,” she said.

“So the really nice combination of hot days and wet days is the perfect breeding conditions for mosquitoes.”

A Western Downs Regional Council spokesperson said they will abide by its mosquito management plan, to determine which course of action is taken and is based on weather conditions and activation levels cited in the plan.

“Council proactively monitors known mosquito breeding sites across the region and actively manages these areas by applying larvicide and keeping a close eye on the presence of mosquitoes in these areas,” the spokesperson said.

They added that while council undertakes mosquito management activities its important and effective for residents to take action in their own households.

Council has offered a number of tips for residents to stay safe from mosquito bites, which include the installation of insect screens in homes, avoiding being outside during mosquito feeding time (dusk and dawn), using a high-quality insect repellant and wearing long-sleeved clothing where possible.

Tips to prevent mosquitoes from breeding around the home:

• Regularly tip out all water sitting in containers such as pot plant saucers, drums and buckets.
• Clean roof gutters and trim nearby trees.
• Maintain swimming pools, birdbaths, fishponds, etc.
• Screen all rainwater tanks and ensure they are maintained.
• Use EnviroSafe Mosquito Drops in standing water.

Tips to protect self from bites:

• Wear loose fitting long pants and long sleeve shirt.
• Use mosquito nets for unscreened homes or when camping.
• When mosquitoes are present, spray the rooms, behind furniture and dark places and leave for 30 minutes before ventilating.
• Air conditioning, fans and mosquito coils also act as deterrents for mosquitoes.

Originally published as Western Downs Regional Council updated guide to surviving mosquitoes this summer