Surat Town - Biting Insect Management

Published on 30 October 2026

Receding flood waters from heavy rainfall have provided perfect conditions for biting Midge (or black fly) and mosquito breeding which will be addressed in Maranoa region over the coming weeks by Maranoa Regional Council.

Councillor Jane Vincent, Portfolio for Environment, said the increase in freshwater breeding sites would result in larger number of biting midge and mosquitoes, which in turn increased the potential for vector borne diseases.

“These post-flood conditions will also increase the number of black flies (sand flies) which are aggressive biters and breed exclusively in running water such as rivers,” she said.

“Black flies are mostly active during daylight hours. Their peak activity period tends to occur from after sunrise to mid-morning and late afternoon to sunset. While black flies do not transmit diseases, a secondary bacterial infection may occur from scratching the bites.

“Council is implementing a mosquito management program in the Surat town area to reduce breeding.”

The treatments will be carried out during the period of 6 November to 15 November 2026 by a licensed contractor. Treatments will take place early morning and in the evenings, to reduce impact to this area. The Council team will be using an environmentally friendly chemical that has been specifically approved for mosquito and biting insect control.

The key areas that are being treated include the Riverwalk and parklands area along with other key arounds surrounding the township of Surat.

Council recommends that anyone with respiratory problems or elderly to stay indoors while the treatments are being undertaken.

Community members can reduce the number of potential breeding sites around their home by:

Cleaning up around your house and yard following the receding flood waters
Removing any pools of water around your house and yard – this may involve clearing debris from ditches, cutting small channels to help pooling water drain, or filling in holes and vehicle wheel ruts
Cleaning up debris deposited on your property by flood waters. While a lot of this debris may be half-buried, if often contains enough water to breed large numbers of mosquitoes.
Rain or floodwater may have also collected in containers around your yard, so make sure you tip the water out of the containers and store them in a dry place or throw them away.

Common mosquito breeding sites include pot plant bases, tyres, tarpaulins and buckets.

Council recommends that members of the community use personal protection to reduce the risk of you and your family getting bitten by mosquitoes or black flies. There are several simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of being bitten:

Wear insect repellent whenever mosquitoes are present
Wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
Use flying insect spray to kill any mosquitoes in rooms
Use mosquito coils
Use bed nets, if available
Repair ripped or damaged insect screens.

For more information and/or tips on reducing mosquito numbers at home, please contact Council’s Environmental Health Team on 1300 007 662 or email council@maranoa.qld.gov.au.

Council thanks residents for their patience during this time.

Should you have any queries in respect of this matter locally please contact Council.