Protect yourself from mosquito-borne disease during school holidays

Published on 05 April 2022

Sunraysia residents are reminded to continue protecting themselves from mosquito-borne diseases by following a few simple steps to Beat the Bite.

The reminder comes as Mildura Rural City Council continues its efforts to combat mosquito numbers by conducting regular ‘fogging’.

Fogging is authorised by the Department of Health in response to the current outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis in Victoria.

It produces a slight fog, which may appear like smoke, using a chemical equivalent to a household insect spray.

Fogging will only be carried out in public places and tree lines around townships, and not in residential areas at this stage.

Council’s Manager Development Services Andrew Millen said that while fogging was an effective way to reduce adult mosquito numbers, the most effective way to prevent mosquito-borne disease was to avoid being bitten.

Steps to avoid mosquito bites include:

• wearing long, loose-fitting clothing, as mosquitos can bite through tight-fitting clothing
• using repellents containing DEET or picaridin on all exposed skin
• ensuring you have flyscreens on all windows and self-closing wire screens on doors
• if camping during the upcoming Easter break, make sure any flyscreens on tents or swags are in good shape, with no tears or gaps.

Mr Millen said residents could also take a few simple precautions around their homes to avoid potential mosquito breeding sources, such as stagnant water.

“Many regular household or backyard items commonly hold stagnant water, making them potential breeding sources, including flowerpots, tyres, buckets, tins, bird baths and pet bowls,” he said.

“It’s good practice, particularly after it’s rained, to regularly remove any stagnant water from these items on a weekly or fortnightly basis.”

Other tips include emptying children’s wading ponds when not in use, and keeping fishponds stocked with fish.

For more information on how to prevent being bitten, reduce mosquito numbers on your property, or symptoms and treatments for mosquito-borne diseases visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/campaigns/beat-bite

ENDS