Residents urged to join fight against mozzie bite as council prepares to fog

UPDATE 2/11 – Thank you to community members who have phoned in and advised council of problematic areas. As a result council has expanded the sites that will be included in upcoming fogging. Community members are encouraged to continue to report problematic public areas by calling council on 1300 242 686 or visiting our website on chrc.qld.gov.au. Mosquito fogging will now include the following areas:

3 November

Falls Creek Road, Springsure

4 November

Emerald Hospital area, EmeraldBotanical Gardens, EmeraldPritchard Rd, EmeraldBirch Dr, EmeraldSilica Rd, EmeraldBallard St, EmeraldEmerald Dog Park, EmeraldBraeside Rd, Emerald

7 and 8 November

area around Blackwater North State School (outside of school hours)South St, Bluff West St, BluffChurch St, BluffQuay St, BluffCampbell St, Bluff

More locations in Blackwater and Bluff to be advised.

The team will continue investigating areas of concern over the coming days. Keep an eye on this post for updates to the schedule.

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The Central Highlands Regional Council is urging residents to join the fight against the mozzie bite following recent rain across the region. 

Over the past 2 weeks council has been treating drainage lines and parks in highly problematic areas with specialised chemicals, that target mosquitoes and their lava.

Weather permitting, council will now begin to fog areas with high mosquito infestations starting this week. 

The first round of fogging will occur on Thursday and Friday at Fall Creek Road Springsure and Ballard Drive Emerald.  

Fogging can affect some other species and therefore residents in these affected areas are advised to ensure that bees and birds are covered in their enclosures.  

General Manager Communities John McDougall reminded the community that stagnant water provides the perfect environment for mosquitoes to breed and dormant eggs to hatch. 

‘We all have a part to play to help reduce mosquito numbers in our community,’ he said. 

‘It’s as easy as covering up, using repellent and, most importantly, cleaning up areas at home or work that can hold water.’ 

Mr McDougall said residents should check all containers that can hold water weekly. 

This includes: 

loose tyres bird baths pot-plant bases the plant itself rainwater tank screens gutters empty buckets 

‘Tip it out, store it away when not in use and throw it if you don’t need it,’ he said. 

‘These simple steps can help reduce the mosquito population and consequently the risk of mosquito-borne disease.’ 

Local Contractor Can Do Pest Control will conduct the initial round of fogging, which will involve the dispersal of a chemical called Twilight ULV Mosquito Adulticide Concentrate through a thermal fogger. 

‘The amount of insecticide in the fog is very small and is dispersed at quantities that can only kill something as small as a mosquito – so there is no risk to humans,’ Mr McDougall said. 

‘However, residents should be aware that the fogging machine can be noisy.’ 

Council will continue to target hotspots and undertake treatment or fogging where required.  

Council fogs when mosquito numbers reach a level of concern. This is determined by verified complaint levels and data from mosquito trapping. If you know of a problem public area, please report it to council by calling 1300 242 686. 

For more information on mosquitoes visit www.health.qld.gov.au