We all know it’s been a wet summer and with more rain forecast for early autumn, it’s important to stay on guard against serious mosquito-borne illnesses.
Mosquitoes can breed in only a tiny amount of stagnant water, meaning their numbers are likely to keep increasing – and that means a higher risk of diseases such as Ross River virus.
Our only protection against the virus is to avoid mosquito bites but the good news is, we can beat the bite by taking a few simple precautions.
One of the most important steps is to empty containers, tanks or gutters around the home that can provide mosquito breeding sites. By simply reducing the number of mosquitoes reproducing around the home, you can reduce your chances of being bitten.
Other tips to avoid bites include:
- Wearing long, loose-fitting clothing
- Using repellents that contain picaridin or DEET on exposed skin
- Keeping mozzies away with mosquito nets or screens
- Using ‘knockdown’ fly spray, mosquito coils or plug-in repellent, and
- Limiting outdoors activity when mosquito numbers are high
Children are vulnerable to mosquito bites so it’s important to protect them using the steps outlined above, but remember to use a lower-strength repellent on young children and babies.
And if you see pools of stagnant water around the home or workplace, you could be looking at a nurseries for young mozzies that will soon be ready to bite you. By removing that breeding ground, you’ll be helping to keep your family and yourself safe from illness.
