‘Beat the bite’ this summer

Published on 20 December 2021

Sunraysia residents are encouraged to keep a look out for potential mosquito breeding hot spots on their properties in a bid to ‘beat the bite’ this summer.

The combination of warmer weather and recent rain makes for ideal breeding conditions for mosquitos.

Residents can do a lot around their own properties to minimise these numbers by taking simple steps, such as removing sources of stagnant water.

This will not only make life more comfortable in your own backyard with less mosquitos in the summer months, but importantly slow or prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as Ross River virus and Murray Valley Encephalitis in the broader community.

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.

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.

More generally, the best way to avoid mosquito bites is to cover up, wearing long, loose-fitting clothing, as mosquitos can bite through tight-fitting clothing.

Using repellents containing DEET or picaridin on all exposed skin, as well as ensuring you have flyscreens on all windows and self-closing wire screens on doors.

While Council’s role in relation to mosquito management is primarily surveillance and community information, controlling mosquito numbers is a whole-of-community effort to reduce potential breeding sources outside of natural areas such as rivers and lakes.

Council does not spray private residences or buildings or provide advice on chemical use. There are contractors and suppliers who can assist with this.

For more information on how to ‘beat the bite’ visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/beat-the-bite

ENDS