Council's Mosquito Management

Hinchinbrook Shire Council

THE recent high rainfall has contributed to an increase in mosquito numbers throughout the district. To combat nuisance mosquitoes and limit the spread of mosquitoborne viruses, Council conducts a systematic mosquito control program on Council land and some areas of Unallocated State Land.

Council uses best-practice chemical control methods developed and approved specifically for mosquito control activities. This generally provides effective control while protecting public health and our natural environment.

These control methods specifically target mosquito larvae in ponded water bodies and retard the larvae from maturing into adult mosquitoes. Through Council's control program, fresh and saltwater sources are treated, including underground drainage infrastructure in built-up areas. However, continuing heavy rains after application reduces the effectiveness of this control method and hence the perception of increased aggravation.

Contrary to some opinion, Council does not conduct 'knock down' aerial fogging of adult mosquitoes within the Shire. This control method is relatively ineffective and poses serious risks to the environment, people and their pets.

Although Council is already doing what it can to reduce mosquito populations in urban areas, residents are reminded that under the Public Health Regulation, householders are responsible for preventing mosquitoes from breeding on their property.

Simply cleaning up items that hold water or emptying containers and disposing of palm fronds in and around your house reduces mosquitoes' opportunity to breed. Further, it prevents the risk of spreading mosquitoborne diseases such as Dengue Fever and various viruses that can affect people's health. There are many options for people wanting to protect themselves against mosquitoes, including wearing long, lightcoloured clothing, insect repellent, knockdown, and residual insecticides that are readily available from suppliers.

Low-cost mosquito larvicide pellets (NOMOZ®) are available to purchase for $10 from Council's Main Office located at 25 Lannercost Street, Ingham.

Similar to the commercial products Council employs, NOMOZ® Pellets prevent mosquito larvae from developing into adult mosquitoes for up to six months and can be used in small natural and artificial water bodies around your property.

For further information, please contact Council's Biosecurity Team on 4776 4740.

Asian Dragon Fruit Salad

Serves: 6

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 0 minutes

1 ½ serves per portion

Ingredients

Salad:

4 cups mixed salad leaves

1 avocado, cubed

1 pink dragon fruit, sliced into wedges

½ red onion, finely sliced

1 bunch coriander, stems and leaves roughly chopped

1 red apple, julienned

1 carrot, peeled into julienne strips

3 tablespoons granulated peanuts

Dressing:

3 tablespoons plum sauce

3 teaspoons sesame oil

2 teaspoons salt reduced soy sauce

2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar

1 ½ teaspoons fresh ginger, grated

1 lime, juiced

Method

ADD all salad ingredients except peanuts to a large bowl.

COMBINE all dressing ingredients in a screw top jar and shake well to combine.

POUR dressing over salad just before serving. Sprinkle with peanuts and toss to combine.

Recipe courtesy of the Country Kitchens 2023

Product of the Year Recipe Collection – Dragon Fruit