Council is 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 wear loose fitting clothing and/or apply insect repellent,” Manager Environment Sharon Terry said.
Measures to protect your family and yourself from mosquitoes include:
- Using effective mosquito repellents. Always use as directed on the label and reapply after swimming, showering or heavy sweating.
- Wearing light-coloured loose-fitting clothing. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours and can bite through tight-fitting clothing such as leggings.
- Limiting outdoor activity when mosquitoes are active. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk but some are also active during the day.
- Protecting 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 as per the instructions.
- Mosquito-proofing 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).
- Removing 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.
- Mosquito-proofing your holiday. Make sure you pack mosquito repellent, repellents containing DEET or picaridin have been shown to be the most effective. 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.