Mosquitoes

In Australia, there are more than 300 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:

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.

For more information refer to the Better Health Channel.

Preventing Mosquito Activity

Mosquitoes breed in still, fresh water. You can take steps to prevent them from breeding.

Reducing Mosquito 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. If your pond is not stocked with fish or water plants, a small amount of kerosene or paraffin oil poured onto the water surface will inhibit mosquito breeding. Note: Kerosene and paraffin oil may kill fish and plants
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

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

Mosquito Bites

Seek medical advice if mosquito bites inflames 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:

Healthdirect

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Preventing Mosquito Activity

Controlling Mosquitoes

Mosquito Bites