Time to protect yourself with high numbers of mozzies detected

Wellington Shire Council is encouraging residents to protect themselves from mosquitoes, as a high number of adult airborne mosquitoes have been detected in the area.

Council’s Mosquito Control Program has identified a high number of adult mosquitoes from flooding at the Latrobe River at Rosedale and a large amount of water south of the Swing Bridge at Longford.

Council’s Mosquito Control Program runs under the guidance of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and focusses on breeding site monitoring and treatment of larvae.

Frequent monitoring is taking place at all identified breeding sites and spraying may occur multiple times over the coming season, once the environmental indicators are suitable.

Council’s mosquito management activities can only have limited impact on overall mosquito numbers, so residents and visitors are urged to take action to help prevent mosquitoes from breeding on their properties and taking steps for their own personal protection.  

Some useful tips to help prevent from being bitten:

• Apply mosquito repellent regularly (every four hours).  Repellents containing DEET or Picaridin are recommended, and are most effective and long lasting in a lotion form
• Attach insect screens to the windows and doors of your house to allow air in and keep mosquitoes out
• Avoid outside areas at dawn and dusk
• Use an insecticide in sleeping areas, according to instructions
• Wear light coloured, loose fitting clothes with long sleeves and long trousers Mosquitoes are attracted to dark coloured clothes and can bite through tight clothes
• Ensure flyscreens on houses, caravans and annexes are in good condition with no gaps
• When camping, take precautions such as using flyscreens on caravans and tents, and by sleeping under mosquito nets
• Take particular care while fishing, ensuring that you follow personal precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

For further information about how to avoid being bitten by mosquitos, please visit our website www.wellington.vic.gov.au, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/campaigns/beat-the-bite or contact the Environmental Health Office on 1300 366 244.

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