New weapon in war with mozzies
Date published: 6 January 2021
Townsville City Council crews are using a new weapon in the war against mosquitoes across the city this wet season.
VectoPrime FG combines the two traditional active ingredients used to eliminate larval mosquitoes.
Community Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability Committee chairperson Margie Ryder said it was great that Council’s Pest Control Unit was able to use this new product to reduce the impact of mosquitoes across Townsville.
“This new product is applied the same way as our former mosquito treatments, except we don’t have to wait for rain in order to start treating,” Cr Ryder said.
“The product is bacteria-based and is designed to naturally kill mosquitoes, which means it does not pose a risk to humans or the greater environment.
“Mosquitoes carry several diseases and it’s important that we all do what we can to prevent the spread of these diseases.
“Council crews have started mosquito treatments in known breeding sites targeting the salt marsh mosquito after recent tidal inundations, and will continue to work to reduce the number of mosquitoes across Townsville.”
Cr Ryder said there were precautions that residents should take to limit the risk of mosquitoes in their home.
“Make sure you don’t have any pools of water in your backyard that mosquitoes could breed in – this includes tins, jars, tyres, bird baths, pet drinking containers and plants like bromeliads,” she said.
“It’s important to also spray inside homes in areas where aedes aegypti mosquitoes live. Spray under your couch, in any dark areas, and near your external doors.”
For more information about mosquitoes in Townsville, visit Council’s mosquitoes webpage.
