Please note: this is an old article
It was published in April 2011, so the information may be out-of-date.
With the school holidays here Greater Shepparton City Council is reminding residents and visitors to continue using protective measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
Council Technical Officer Doug Cousins said Council was encouraging residents to be vigilant and take care when outside to minimise exposure to mosquito bites and the risk of disease.
“One of the simplest ways to do this is to apply insect repellent containing picaridin or DEET, cover up bare skin when outdoors and use ‘knock down’ insect sprays in and around the home to reduce numbers,” Mr Cousins said. Measures to protect your family and self from mosquitoes include:
- Use effective mosquito repellents. Always use as directed on the label and reapply after swimming, showering or heavy sweating.
- Wear light-coloured loose-fitting clothing. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours and can bite through tight-fitting clothing such as leggings.
- Limit outdoor activity when mosquitoes are active. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk but some are also active during the day.
- Protect babies and small children. Dress babies and children to cover as much skin as possible. Use insect nets on prams and cots. When a child is playing outside and mosquitoes are present, use repellents.
- Mosquito-proof your holiday. Make sure you pack mosquito repellent containing DEET or picaridin. Ensure your tent, caravan or other accommodation is fitted with fly screens on windows and doors. Pack and use mosquito coils or citronella candles as they can be effective in small outdoor areas.
- Mosquito-proof your home. Maintain flywire screens on all windows and doors. If flywire screens are not fitted or they are in-effective sleep under mosquito nets treated with insecticides (eg. synthetic pyrethroids). Use knock-down sprays and vaporising devices.
- Remove stagnant water where mosquitoes breed. Discard unused tins, tyres and similar rubbish, clean gutters and drains regularly. Change pets’ drinking water, and the water in vases, self-watering pots and bird baths weekly. Keep swimming pools chlorinated, salted or empty if not being used. Keep fishponds stocked as the fish will eat the mosquito larvae.
- Check water tanks or other water storage devices. Make sure any tops, lids or inlet pipes are close-fitting. Fit removable mesh screens to overflow pipes and all inlets.
For further information, phone 5832 9700 or visit www.greatershepparton.com.au/residents/health/mosquito