In Australia, there are more than 275 species of mosquitoes but only a small number are of concern. Mosquitoes can carry diseases that may be passed on to people through mosquito bites.
Serious diseases transmitted by mosquitoes to humans throughout Australia include:
Preventing Mosquito Activity
Mosquitoes breed in still, fresh water. You can take steps to prevent them from breeding:
- Remove anything on the property where water can collect such as unused tyres or pots
- Drill holes in tyres used for swings, playgrounds and garden surrounds to allow water to drain
- Make sure all water collection containers have secure lids or screens
- Cover trailers, wheelbarrows, boats, tools and children’s playground toys to avoid water collection
- Change the water in bird baths or other still water features at least once a week, and more regularly in warm weather
- Put sand around bases of pot plants to absorb excess water in the dish
- Keep swimming pools chlorinated, salted or empty them completely when not in use for considerable periods
- Stock fish in garden ponds and operate water features
- Keep outlet and over-flow pipes fitted with removable screen mesh
- Fix leaking taps that allow water to pool
- Ensure your garden is well maintained so that you are not providing shelter for adult mosquitoes. For example, prune trees and shrubs to a height of 1.5 m to allow wind to flow.
- Keep roof guttering in good repair and regularly remove leaves and debris so that pools of water do not form
- Check water tanks for gaps around lids, covers and inlet pipes (fit a removable screen mesh to the outlet end of overflow pipes and to all water inlets if needed.
- Leave spider webs in place
- Install a mirco-bat nest box, micro-bats can eat hundreds of mosquitoes every night
Preventing Mosquitoes from Biting you and your Family
- Attach insect screens to the windows and doors of your house to allow air in and keep mosquitoes and other insects out
- Avoid outside areas at dawn and dusk
- Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing when outdoors
- Use recommended insect repellents - picaridin or DEET.
Controlling Mosquitoes
If you have significant mosquito activity on your property or nearby properties, there are a number of steps you can take.
| Location |
Responsibility |
Contact/Action |
| Your Property |
The resident |
Try the following options:
- Use a mosquito trap with a light and fan to attract and kill mosquitoes
- Use residual body sprays to deter adult mosquitoes
- Eliminate open still water breeding areas.
|
| Your Neighbour’s Property |
Your neighbour |
Speak to the property owner about your observations. Direct them to this page for information.
If the problem continues, contact Council
|
| Council Property |
Council |
Contact Council |
Treating Mosquito Bites
Seek medical advice if mosquito bites inflame areas of skin around the site of the bite or swelling or redness appear to spread or the area appears to be infected.
More information about insect bites and stings:
