Protect yourself from mosquito-borne disease

Warm and wet weather can mean more mosquito biting and breeding, including the ones that can carry diseases that make you sick.

Your only protection against mosquitoes and the diseases they can carry is to avoid mosquito bites.

• Mosquitoes can bite through tight clothing. Cover up – wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing.
• Use mosquito repellents containing active ingredients like DEET or Picaridin. Apply evenly to all exposed skin and clothing.
• Limit outdoor activity if lots of mosquitoes are about.
• Remove stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed around your home or campsite.
• On holidays make sure your accommodation is fitted with mosquito netting or screens.
• Use 'knockdown' fly spray, mosquito coils or plug-in repellent where you gather to sit or eat outdoors.
• Don't forget the kids – always check the insect repellent label. On babies, you might need to spray or rub repellent on their clothes instead of their skin. Avoid applying repellent to the hands of babies or young children.

Learn how to protect yourself from mosquito bites (video)

How to mosquito-proof your home and holidays

• Checklist – mosquito-proof your home and yard
• Checklist - mosquito-proof your holiday

Fact sheets

The following fact sheets can be linked to on the Better Health Channel:

• Barmah Forest virus
• Dengue virus
• Japanese encephalitis
• Mosquitoes can carry diseases
• Ross River virus
• Murray Valley encephalitis
• West Nile virus
• Mosquito management in Victoria

Where to get help

• If you have any concerns about your health, see your GP (doctor) or call Nurse-on-Call Tel. 1300 60 60 24
• Department of Health, Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Unit. Tel. 1300 651 160
• Your local council

Learn about mosquito-borne diseases and surveillance in Victoria (video)