Mosquitoes are considered a serious nuisance and have the potential to spread disease.
There are a number of ways that you can protect you and your family from mosquitoes and reduce opportunity for mosquito bite and breeding.
Zika virus is transmitted to humans through bites of infectious Aedes moquitoes, the same species that transmits dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever. The virus causes an illness known as Zika virus disease that shows symptoms including mild fever, rash, conjunctivitis and muscle or joint pain.
For more information about Zika virus download the Department of Health Zika virus fact sheet (PDF 929KB) or visit the Healthy WA website (external site).
Reduce mosquito breeding around your home by doing the following things:
- dispose of all containers that contain water
- empty pot plant drip trays and water kept for animals (drinking, bathing etc.)
- keep swimming pools well chlorinated and free of dead leaves
- stock ornamental ponds with mosquito eating fish and keep vegetation away from edges
- ensure water features are continually running to prevent stagnant water
- ensure windows, doorways and balconies are appropriately screened
- fit mosquito proof covers to vent pipes and rainwater tanks
- ensure all guttering doesn’t hold water and remains free from any blockages
- where safe, residual chemical sprays and electronic vaporizers can be used.
Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk so it is important to take appropriate precautions during these times. Protect yourself by:
- wearing loose fitting clothing, such as long sleeved shirts and long pants.
- using effective personal and environmental repellant (the most effective repellents contain diethyl toluamide (DEET) or picaridin).
- reapplying repellant when you’ve been bitten and ensuring you check the usage instructions of the product.
- There is no scientific evidence that eating or drinking particular foods will reduce the likelihood of being bitten.
- There is no scientific evidence that elevated vitamin B levels will reduce the likelihood or reduce the severity of an individual’s response to bites.
- Patches and wrist bands are available but do not offer effective protection from mosquitoes.
- Over application of repellant will not increase protection times.
- Everyone is susceptible to mosquito bites.
To reduce the impact of mosquitoes and the potential transmission of mosquito-borne diseases, the City of Subiaco undertakes a joint mosquito management program with the City of Nedlands and the Department of Health.
The city’s environmental health team also monitors potential mosquito breeding sites endeavoring to help reduce and prevent mosquito activity.
For more information contact the city’s Environmental Health Services team on 9237 9222.