Tweed shire wide mosquito alert

TWEED Shire Council is warning residents to make extra efforts to reduce the impact of mosquitoes following recent heavy rain.

Council’s pest management supervisor, Brian Falkner, said the wet weather has created ideal breeding conditions and that some mosquitoes only need very small amounts of water to proliferate.

“To reduce mozzies around your home, empty all water-holding containers such as buckets, old tyres, poorly aligned roof gutters and pot plant holders,” Falkner said.

Covering all windows, doors, chimneys, vents, and other entrances with strong insect screens and ensuring all openings to water tanks and septic tanks are screened securely will reduce mosquitoes’ entry into the home.

Residents are advised to mow lawns regularly and limit overgrowth in areas of dense vegetation.

Gardeners can place sand or fine gravel in pot plant trays to add drainage or flush trays out weekly, and should keep an eye on water-holding plants such as bromeliads close to the home.

Animal lovers should empty and refill pet water bowls and bird baths regularly.

People should avoid bites by covering up as much as possible and using repellent on skin or clothes.

“Don’t let your home be a haven for mosquitoes and their larvae,” Falkner said.

For more information, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/mosquitoes