Beat the bite - Protect yourself from those pesky mozzies!

Tuesday 12 December 2017

In light of recent heavy rains falling in our region, Wellington Shire Council is urging residents to protect themselves from mosquitos.

With water pooling in areas in your garden, now is the time to be proactive and remove these mosquito breeding grounds on your properties and also to protect yourself from them while you are outdoors.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor Councillor Carolyn Crossley said that due to the late rains and warmer weather we have seen an increase in the mosquito population.

“At the moment there is an increased chance of being bitten by mosquitos and they are not only annoying, they can carry diseases,” she said.

“With every mosquito bite there is a risk of blood borne diseases such as Ross River Fever and Barmah Forest Virus.

“These virus infections can cause major illness with symptoms including lethargy, rash, fever and sore and swollen joints. There is no specific treatment for these viruses, so prevention is the only option.”

Council’s mosquito management activities can only have limited impact on overall mosquito numbers so we urge residents to take action to help prevent mosquitoes from breeding on their properties and taking steps for their own personal protection.

Some useful tips to help prevent from being bitten:

Apply mosquito repellent regularly (every four hours). Repellents containing DEET or Picaridin are recommended, and are most effective and long lasting in a lotion form 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 an insecticide in sleeping areas, according to instructions Wear light coloured, loose fitting clothes with long sleeves and long trousers Mosquitoes are attracted to dark coloured clothes and can bite through tight clothes Ensure flyscreens on houses, caravans and annexes are in good condition with no gaps When camping, take precautions such as using flyscreens on caravans and tents, and by sleeping under mosquito nets Take particular care while fishing, ensuring that you follow personal precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

For further information please visit the Bees, Wasps and Mosquitoes page on our website or contact the Environmental Health Office on 1300 366 244.