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.
Tips to protect yourself from 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.
For more ways to mosquito-proof your home and holiday, follow these simple checklists:
About mosquito-borne diseases
Mosquitoes can carry diseases that can be passed on to humans through mosquito bites. These viruses are known as 'mosquito-borne diseases'.
In Victoria, the most common viruses transmitted by mosquitoes to humans are:
Infections can also be caused by:
These viruses are rare but have the potential to cause severe disease.
To learn about mosquito surveillance and how mosquitoes are controlled in Victoria, see 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 . Tel. 1300 651 160
- Your local
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.
Tips to protect yourself from 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.
For more ways to mosquito-proof your home and holiday, follow these simple checklists:
About mosquito-borne diseases
Mosquitoes can carry diseases that can be passed on to humans through mosquito bites. These viruses are known as 'mosquito-borne diseases'.
In Victoria, the most common viruses transmitted by mosquitoes to humans are:
Infections can also be caused by:
These viruses are rare but have the potential to cause severe disease.
To learn about mosquito surveillance and how mosquitoes are controlled in Victoria, see 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 . Tel. 1300 651 160
- Your local
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Content disclaimer
Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.
Content disclaimer
Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.
Reviewed on: 22-11-2024