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Mosquitos

Mosquitoes are vectors of diseases such as Ross River Virus, Barmah Forest Virus, Murray Valley Encephalitis, Dengue and Malaria. These diseases can make people ill and in severe cases, can even cause death. Mosquitoes transmit diseases through sucking the blood of animals and humans. You can only catch mosquito borne diseases from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Not all mosquitos carry diseases and more often are just a nuisance.

For more information visit the Department of Health Human Services website.

Protect Yourself from Mosquitos

  • Attach insect screens to the windows and doors of your house to allow air in and keep mosquitoes out
  • Avoid outside areas at dawn and dusk
  • Use recommended repellents
  • Wear loose fitting clothing which covers arms and legs
  • Use mosquito coils and repellents to discourage mosquitoes


Advice on how to avoid mosquito bites and choosing a mosquito repellent, check out the Better Health Channel website.

Protect your Property from Mosquitos

  • Dispose of all tins, tyres and other rubbish containers that may hold water
  • Put sand around bases of pot plants to absorb excess water in the dish
  • Keep swimming pools chlorinated, salted or empty them completely when not in use for considerable periods
  • Empty children’s wading pools regularly
  • Overturn boats and dinghies or remove the drain plug so they do not hold water
  • Empty flower vases, pot plants and other receptacles that hold water at least once a week
  • Drill holes in tyres used for swings, playgrounds and garden surrounds to allow water to drain
  • Change bird baths and pets’ drinking water at least once a week
  • Prevent leaking taps which can maintain semi-permanent pools
  • Flush disused outside toilets once a week
  • Keep fish ponds stocked with fish
  • Remove weeds and grass from drains to enable them to drain freely
  • Keep roof guttering in good repair and regularly remove leaves and debris so that pools of water do not form
  • Keep lawns and gardens well maintained so that you are not providing shelter for adult mosquitos
  • Prune trees and shrubs to a height to allow wind to flow
  • Use residual sprays to kill and deter adult mosquitos, follow instructions
  • Installing closely fitting removable insect proof screens on rainwater tanks inlets and overflows.
  • Sealing cracks in Septic tank lids
  • Repairing or replacing broken or missing septic tank and distribution pits lids

Resource

Department of Health and Humans services factsheet: Mosquito control around the home

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