Council spraying for mosquitoes after rain and king tides
Date published: 30 January 2018
Townsville City Council has begun spraying for mosquitoes after an increase in hatchlings was discovered after recent rain across the city.
Residents can also expect higher than normal tides with king tides expected throughout the week which may cause mosquito numbers to continue to peak.
Health and Environment Committee Chair Cr Ann-Maree Greaney said ground treatments will be conducted in areas with large amounts of larvae.
“Council monitors mosquito populations carefully during rain and tide events, and we will continue to treat problem zones throughout the week after the tide recedes,” she said.
“We ask residents to take precautions to protect themselves from being bitten- cover up when outside, use repellent and mosquito coils to keep them away.”
Aerial treatments will begin on Wednesday after the king tide with a possibility for a follow-up later in the week.
Council will also continue to monitor the king tide’s for potential flooding in low-lying areas; the tide will peak at 4.11m on Wednesday morning and will reach 4m until Friday.
Deputy for the Disaster Management Group Cr Kurt Rehbein has encouraged residents to remain cautious when travelling in potential flood areas.
“We will watch low-lying areas that may be prone to flooding, but I would like to remind motorists to be watchful when driving during the king tides,” Cr Rehbein said.
“This flood waters are not from a fresh water source, salt water can be damaging to vehicles and we always recommend staying away from flooded roads.”
Potential flood zones include South Townsville, Railway Estate, and along Hanran St and Ogden St in the CBD.
