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This article was published on Friday, 10 February, 2017. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

BEAT THE BITE - Keep an eye out for mozzies

Posted on Friday 10th of February, 2017,

With a dramatic increase in reports of the mosquito born Ross River Virus across Victoria and Southern New South Wales, Greater Shepparton City Council is advising locals and visitors to do all they can to beat the bite.

Greater Shepparton City Council is continuing to monitor mosquito populations and deal with problem areas but residents are being asked to do their bit to control potential breeding sites around their own properties.

Council’s Director Sustainable Development Johann Rajaratnam said Council’s Mosquito Monitor has been very busy since the 2016 flooding and heavy rainfall experienced over the winter and the subsequent warm spring weather.

“We have experienced an increase in mosquito activity throughout the municipality as the days begin to warm. Council Staff are dealing with public parks, drains and stagnant water on council land but we need residents to do a check of their properties to identify areas that could be a breeding site for mosquitos,” he said.

Mosquitos breed in fresh, stagnant or polluted water around the home. People can reduce potential outdoor breeding sites by keeping fish ponds stocked with fish, screening overflow points on self-watering pots and rainwater tanks, empty and clean the cat or dogs water bowl weekly and cleaning up anything around the property that holds water.

“In addition, people should be vigilant and use repellents to protect themselves as well as mosquito coils or sprays to keep the insects out of their homes,” Mr Rajaratnam said.

“With the warmer weather we are set to experience this week and moving into summer we should see stagnant water drying up and therefore mosquito larvae will die.”

Some of the most effective protective measures to remember are:

Mosquitos are attracted to dark colours and are more active at dawn and dusk, so where possible wear light coloured long loose clothing and use insect repellents during these times.
Use repellents which contain Picaridin or DEET compound, preferably in a cream or gel base.
Avoid perfumes and aftershave lotions as mosquitos are attracted to these.
Ensure that flywire screens on windows and doors are properly maintained to block mosquitoes from entering the home.
Use ‘knockdown’ sprays, coils and vaporising devices to kill mosquitos around the home.

For more information visit http://greatershepparton.com.au/community/safety-and-wellbeing/mosquito-control-program