Mosquitoes can carry diseases

Mosquitoes can carry diseases that can be passed on to people through mosquito bites.

In Australia, some of these include Buruli ulcer, Murray Valley encephalitis virus, Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus, Dengue virus, Japanese encephalitis and West Nile virus. Periods of heavy rainfall or floods can lead to ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, even in non-tropical areas.

Mosquito-borne diseases can make people ill and, in severe cases, can cause death.

How to avoid mosquito bites

There are many simple things you can do to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes, including:

• Wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothes if mosquitoes are around.
• Cover up as much as possible.
• Use an effective mosquito repellent, containing either picaridin or diethyltoluamide (DEET), on all exposed skin.
• Use 'knockdown' fly spray against visible mosquitoes in your home.
• Use plug-in mosquito vaporisers or diffusers with repellent-treatment pads in enclosed external areas like verandas and decks. These should be switched off as soon as the area is no longer in use.
• Prevent mosquitoes breeding around your own home.
• Maintain fly screens on windows, doors, vents and chimneys. Screens should be no coarser than 12 x 12 meshes per 25mm, or 1.2mm. Use an even coarser mesh if you wish to keep out other smaller biting insects, like sandflies.
• Use mosquito coils in outdoor areas. These should be supervised at all times.
• If mosquitoes are particularly active, consider using a long-acting surface spray in areas where mosquitoes like to rest. Target these areas by spraying shaded, dense trees and bushes near your home. Avoid spraying these products near fishponds. Remember to read instructions about safe use of any insect sprays.

Choosing a mosquito repellent

Repellents come in lotions, gels, aerosols and pump sprays. Lotions and gels are easier to apply, though all repellents containing picaridin and diethyltoluamide (DEET) are effective at repelling mosquitoes when used correctly.

Lower concentrations of the active ingredient (around 10%) are just as effective as higher concentrations, they just need to be applied more often.

How to use mosquito repellent

Like sunscreen, mosquito repellent is only effective if applied to all exposed skin. A few dabs here and there will not keep the mosquitoes away. Aim to apply a thin, even layer to all exposed skin.

• Apply a thin, even layer of repellent (as per label instructions) to any exposed skin and make sure you reapply it regularly, as required.
• No repellent is water-resistant, it must be reapplied after swimming or water sports.
• Repellent should be applied over sunscreen.
• All the formulations are effective, it comes down to which is easier to comply with. All must be rubbed in to ensure no spots are missed. A combination of formulations can be effective too, for example aerosol or spray for the feet, legs, and possibly the arms (faster to apply) and then a roll-on or spray in areas closer to the face (roll-on for the face or apply spray or aerosol to hands and then apply to the face).
• All use of mosquito repellent must be in accordance with the instructions on the label. Advice may differ between brands and formulations.

Remember:

• Choose mosquito repellents that contain picaridin or DEET as the active ingredient.
• Always read and follow directions on the label.
• Do not apply excessive repellent – use only a thin, even layer.
• Never allow young children to apply their own repellent. Avoid applying repellent to your children’s hands, eyes and mouth.
• Always store repellents safely and out of reach of children.

Image credit: Stephen Doggett

How to control mosquitoes around the home

You can reduce the risk of mosquito bites by preventing mosquitoes from breeding around your home by following these tips:

• Clean up your yard and remove anything that can hold water, such as unused pots and containers or tyres.
• Cover or overturn trailers, wheelbarrows, boats, tools and children’s toys to avoid water pooling.
• Regularly clean gutters and drains so water runs freely.
• Fix leaking taps.
• Change water held in pet drinking bowls, bird baths and vases at least once a week, and more regularly in very warm weather.
• Put sand around the base of pot plants to absorb pooling water.
• Keep swimming pools well maintained and chlorinated or securely covered if not in use. Do not let water pool in empty swimming pools.
• Keep fishponds tidy with minimal vegetation around the edges.
• Keep lawns and gardens trimmed back to reduce the areas where mosquitoes rest.

Where to get help

• Your GP (doctor)
• Your pharmacist
• Nurse-on-Call Tel. 1300 60 60 24 (24 hours, 7 days) – for confidential health advice from a registered nurse
• Department of Health – Infectious diseases: guidelines and advice Tel. 1300 651 160
• Find your local council – for information about mosquito control programs in your area.