Fogging targets mozzie swarms

MOSQUITOES are swarming Gold Coast suburbs as rainfall and higher than normal tides create a perfect storm for breeding.

More than 30 people have been treated in the Gold Coast health district this year for mosquito-borne diseases including Ross River virus, dengue fever and Barmah Forest virus.

Gold Coast City Council is working to combat the soaring saltmarsh mosquito numbers by fogging and spraying in areas including Arundel Hills, Coombabah and Parkwood.

Councillor Kristyn Boulton has warned residents in suburbs from Arundel north to Jacobs Well and Cabbage Tree Point about the “higher than normal populations”.

“The mosquitoes are predominantly aedes vigilax, the saltmarsh mosquito, which breeds in coastal saltmarsh and mangrove wetlands following summer king tides,” she said.

“The tides at the end of February were much higher and lasted longer than predicted, due to the large ocean swells caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Oma. This caused widespread tidal inundation, generating larger than normal populations of mosquito larvae.”

Cr Boulton said the larvae had been targeted as part of an aerial treatment program.

“However, effective treatment was difficult due to the strong winds generated by exTropical Cyclone Oma. As a consequence, the treatment was not as successful as would normally be expected,” she said. “The pest management unit is conducting fogging through the region, to help reduce the impact from the adult mosquitoes which have now emerged.’’

Fogging began last week at Arundel Hills and Coombabah and will continue this morning, including at Parkwood, if weather permits.

“Officers suggest residents remove any lying water to prevent further breeding. Plant pots, fallen palm fronds and water-holding plants such as bromeliads are good places to start,’’ Cr Boulton said.

Residents should use insect repellent outside.

Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service has treated 16 cases of Ross River virus, 13 cases of dengue and two cases of Barmah Forest virus this year. No malaria has been reported. Last year, 142 diseases were reported, including 98 cases of Ross River fever.