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City of Greater Shepparton
URL: http://www.greatershepparton.com.au/news/protectfrommosquitoes.html
Please note: this is an archived news article release.
This article was published on 23 March 2010. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.
Protect yourself from mosquitoes
News article released on Tuesday 23 March 2010
Greater Shepparton City Council is encouraging residents to check their property to ensure there is no stagnant water that promotes mosquito breeding and to cover up and protect themselves from mosquitoes.
Council's Manager Sustainability and Environment Greg McKenzie said following the recent rainfall and warm weather there has been an increase in mosquito activity within the Goulburn Valley region."Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so residents are encouraged to limit water on their property that encourages breeding grounds," Mr McKenzie said.
"This outbreak is a natural outcome of the recent rain and Council will be taking action, within its limited resources to reduce the problem.
"Due to the large outbreak, action from the whole community is needed to prevent further outbreaks.
"Council's mosquito control program aims to reduce the numbers of mosquitoes by treating larvae before they hatch, as it is more efficient and safer for the environment.
"Residents are encouraged to protect themselves and their property from mosquitoes, as it is likely to take up to a month for the number of mosquitoes to reduce.
"Residents are responsible for mosquitoes on their own private property, and can report outbreaks on public land to Council."
To help protect you and your family from mosquito bites remember these important actions:
1. Mosquitoes can breed in fresh, salty, stagnant or polluted water, so check around your home to reduce potential breeding sites.
2. Ensure that all windows and wire screen doors are fitted with insect proof mesh.
3. If mosquitoes are an issue at night while trying to sleep, consider using a mosquito net over the bed to keep the mosquitoes at bay.
4. Most mosquitoes will feed at dawn or dusk although some species also feed during the day. Mosquitoes dislike insect repellents which contain Picaridin or DEET so these products are recommended as they will help you and your family to keep mosquitoes at bay.
5. Mosquitoes dislike light coloured clothing so cover up when outside by wearing long, loose-fitting light coloured clothing.
For more information about how residents can reduce the impact of mosquitoes and reducing mosquito breeding sites contact Council's Environmental Health team on (03) 5832 9700.
- Released 23 March 2010