Hinterland residents are being urged to help reduce mosquitoes from breeding.
Recent rainfall, combined with warmer temperatures and increased humidity, have provided the perfect mosquito breeding conditions.
Worryingly, a number of Australians are being being treated in hospitals as the the mosquito-borne Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) spreads.
Sunshine Coast Council Environment Portfolio Councillor Peter Cox said while council managed mosquitoes through an extensive surveillance and treatment program across the region, residents could play a vital role in reducing mosquito numbers by minimising breeding areas around their homes.
“There are a range of measures residents can take to minimise their exposure to mosquitoes such as tipping out containers or pot plant bases, and regularly cleaning roof gutters when it’s safe to do so,” Cr Cox said.
“Changing water in pet bowls and bird baths will also help and ensure your rainwater tank is fitted with mosquito proof screens.
“Council regularly monitors mosquito-prone areas and works closely with Queensland Health to monitor mosquito populations across the region.”
Council’s mosquito management program includes regular surveillance and larval treatments of mosquito-prone areas through ground and aerial applications.