Don the gloves and Fight the Bite against mosquitoes

With the start of warmer weather comes the increase in mosquito activity, and City residents are being urged to take extra precautions against the risk of mosquito-borne disease.

While many parts of WA enjoyed below average numbers of mosquitoes last summer, higher numbers were expected to return this year.

Recent substantial rainfall combined with increasing temperatures and predictions of higher than usual tidal activity in coming months are likely to favour increased breeding of mosquitoes.

Armadale Mayor Henry Zelones OAM JP said mosquitoes in Perth and the South West can transmit Ross River virus (RRV) and Barmah Forest virus (BFV).

“Unfortunately these viruses have no vaccine or specific cure so the best way to avoid infection is to prevent mosquito bites,” he said.

The City of Armadale conducts mosquito surveillance on a regular basis for seven months of the year with trapping of adult mosquitoes carried out using carbon dioxide traps. Water sources on public land are also dipped for larvae to identify breeding locations.

This year, the City is also partnering with the WA Department of Health to launch the Fight the Bite campaign.

The campaign encourages individuals to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes by adopting the following simple measures:

• Avoid outdoor exposure particularly around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear protective (long, loose-fitting, light coloured) clothing when outdoors.
• Apply a personal repellent containing diethyl toluamide (DEET) or picaridin to exposed skin.
• Empty or cover any standing water around the home or holiday accommodation to reduce mosquito breeding.
• Ensure insect screens are installed and remain in good condition.
• Use mosquito nets or mosquito-proof tents when camping or sleeping outdoors.
• Ensure infants and children are adequately protected against mosquito bites, preferably with suitable clothing, bed nets or other forms of insect screening.

For more information on Fight the Bite, how to prevent mosquito bites or identifying symptoms of RRV and BRV visit www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/healthy-living/prevent-mosquito-bites.