Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Wednesday, 19 October, 2016. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate.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! Protect yourself from mosquitos

CLICK HERE for Mosquito health advice in 19 languages.

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.

Council’s Director Sustainable Development Johann Rajaratnam said given the recent heavy and constant rainfall, people would be seeing an increase in mosquito activity around their homes and in parkland.

“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.

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.