Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes can spread diseases to humans such as Ross River virus, Dengue Fever, Zika virus and Malaria. Heartworm in dogs is also transmitted by mosquitoes. Some mosquitoes are active during the day but most are active around dusk. Your chances of being bitten by mosquitoes at this time are very high. The best way to control mosquito diseases is to protect yourself from being bitten and prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
How you can protect yourself
- Limit your time in mosquito areas especially around dawn and dusk.
- Use insect repellent.
- Wear long, loose clothing.
- Install or repair insect screens to doors and windows.
Read more about how to avoid mosquito bites.
How to reduce mosquito breeding
Mosquitoes breed in fresh or salt water and almost any site or container holding water. Some examples of places where they breed include:
- tyres
- drains
- buckets and containers
- saltmarsh coastal areas
- pot plant bases
- inside plants that catch water such as bromeliads.
Find more information on mosquito breeding places.
Remove potential mosquito breeding sites by:
- tipping out any water in plastic containers, buckets, pot plant trays
- clear your roof guttering of rotting leaves
- dispose of fallen palm fronds and coconut shells
- throw away empty containers, tyres or anything else that catches rain around the yard.
Under the Public Health Act 2005, all new rainwater tanks sold in Queensland must have suitable measures to prevent mosquitoes breeding in the tank. Find out how to keep your tank safe.
Council has mosquito management programs to reduce mosquito breeding grounds on public land. Contact Council for more information.
Mosquito borne diseases
Find out about mosquito borne diseases in Queensland or contact the Queensland Health Communicable diseases team for mosquito borne diseases advice and help.