Mosquito management on the Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast region often
experiences large numbers of adult
mosquitoes over the warmer months.
Council has a Pest Management Plan to
manage mosquitos and there are actions
you can take around your home to
minimise the impact to you and your
family.
Council’s mosquito management
program
The Sunshine Coast region often
experiences large numbers of adult
mosquitoes over the warmer months when
optimum breeding conditions are present as
the result of tidal and/or rainfall events
combined with warmer temperatures and
increased humidity.
With warm and humid weather, the window
of opportunity for aerial treatment can be as
short as three days.
Where do mosquitos hatch from?
Light traps are also set in a number of
locations across the coast during the season
to monitor adult numbers of both freshwater
and salt marsh mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes lay eggs which may remain
dormant for many months or years awaiting
the opportunity to hatch. High levels of tidal
inundation or heavy rainfall enable
accumulated dormant eggs in these areas to
hatch, leading to increased numbers of
mosquitoes.
The Aedes vigilax is the main target of
Council’s aerial treatment program which
targets mosquito larvae with specialised
products that prevent larvae from developing
into productive adults.
Council officers conduct routine field surveys
to monitor the number of larvae after tidal
and rainfall events as well as after aerial
treatments.
Council then respond with the best course of
action available such as aerial treatment.
What can you do?
Other species of mosquito breed in local
freshwater and brackish pools, often around
dense vegetation. These species tend to
have a short flight range and often rest in the
surrounding vegetation in close proximity to
homes.
Residents are advised to reduce mosquito
breeding as much as possible by
undertaking the following actions:
Sunshine Coast’s most popular
mosquito
Aedes vigilax is a salt marsh mosquito and
the major pest species in our coastal
estuaries and river systems. This particular
species has a long flight range which,
together with onshore winds can travel up to
forty kilometres creating nuisance problems
over a large area. It requires treatment
during the larval cycle to reduce adult
numbers.

Repair roof guttering and remove leaves &
debris regularly to prevent ponding of water

Remove overhanging vegetation

Remove any containers, palm fronds or
rubbish around the yard each week which
may hold water

Empty pot plant bases and other containers
at least once a week

Alternatively, place sand around pot plant
bases or store the bases for the season

Keep fish ponds stocked with fish

Keep swimming pools chlorinated

Drill holes in tyres used for swings and
garden surrounds to allow water to drain
Fact Sheet Mosquito management on the Sunshine Coast

Ensure rainwater tanks are well maintained
and that intake and outlet points are
screened with mesh of 1 mm or less

Ensure screens are fitted to windows and
doors and holes mended
Personal Protection
Protect yourself, your family and guests by using
these precautions:

Wear protective clothing outdoors (long
pants and sleeves)

Explore options such as mosquito coils and
burners when outdoors

Use a recommended personal mosquito
repellent

These actions will help protect you and your
family from the impact of mosquitoes and
reduce your exposure to Ross River Virus
and Barmah Forest Virus.

Council routinely monitors local data on
notifiable diseases as provided by
Queensland Health.
For additional information
Please contact council.
Current as at July 2015
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Fact Sheet Mosquito management on the Sunshine Coast