Get buzzing on your mosquito season preparation

Published on 07 September 2020

Spring is a great time to check your property for potential mosquito breeding sites to reduce the risk of mosquito bites this summer.

Frankston City Mayor, Sandra Mayer, said as well as being irritating, mosquitos could spread diseases such as Ross River Virus.

“I love getting outdoors with the weather is warm, but the mosquitoes are a pain,” the Mayor said.

“There are things you can do now, to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites and prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.”

One preventative measure is checking your yard and surrounding areas for stagnant or pooling water where mosquitos can breed. This might include the base of pot plants, disused containers or equipment in the yard, such as trailers or wheelbarrows or neglected swimming pools.

“Keeping fish ponds stocked with fish is an easy way to help reduce the breeding impact of mosquitos, as is cleaning your gutters and drains regularly,” the Mayor added.

If you have a rainwater tank, it is important to make sure all covers, lids and inlet pipes are close fitting so mosquitos can’t get inside.

To protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites:

  • Limit your time outdoors when mosquitos are active at your property (usually dusk and dawn)

  • Wear loose-fitting clothing at these times

  • Use mosquito repellent with DEET or picaridin on exposed skin (follow safety directions on the packaging)

For further information about protecting yourself and your family from mosquito bites check out the Better Health Channel Beat the Bite campaign: betterhealth.vic.gov.au/campaigns/beat-the-bite

If you have any concerns about your health, see your doctor or call NURSE-ON-CALL: 1300 60 60 24

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