Mosquito Prevention Guidelines as prepared by NSW Dept Health

Mosquitoes are a health hazard. Mosquitoes spread human disease, such as Murray Valley encephalitis and Ross River Virus. During summer holidays and warmer periods make sure you take special care to protect yourself and family.

Mosquitoes usually become active around dusk although some species are active also during the day. Cover up and take care by using a repellent, reapplying on regular basis. The best mosquito repellents contain Diethyl Toluamide (DEET less than 20%), check the label.

Ways to Beat the Mozzies

Cover up as much as possible with loose fitting clothing, spray clothing with repellent (be careful as some stain material). Light mosquito coils or use vapourising mats. Ensure you cover all windows, doors, chimneys, vents and other entrances with insect screens that are in good condition.

Mosquitoes breed in stagnant ground water. The breeding sites include swamps, ground pools and containers. It only takes two to three weeks to produce large numbers of mature mosquitoes. They then travel as far as 10 km from their breeding place in search of food, resting and breeding along the way.

Your home could be a potential site for mosquitoes, so take steps to reduce mosquito numbers. Keep your yard well maintained and regularly mow lawns and clear vegetation areas of moist tangled undergrowth. Remove all water holding rubbish, regularly flush out pot plant bases, keep house guttering clear and make sure openings of septic tanks/water tanks are covered/screened securely.

If you live on a farm, mosquitoes can breed in a number of places:

• Keep dams and ground pools free of vegetation
• Make sure dam walls and irrigation bays don?t have water leaks that can produce large numbers of mosquitoes
• Do not over irrigate so that water collects in low lying areas for long periods of time
• Do not let irrigation water flow into and lie undisturbed in roadside table drains.

For further information please contact NSW Department of Health by clicking on the link to their website below:

Or Contact Councils Health & Building Dept at the Barham Office on 03 54533200.

© 2008 Wakool Shire Council
This page: http://wakool.local-e.nsw.gov.au/faqs/pages/26392.html