It’s time to Beat the Bite!

Published on 04 October 2022

Residents are encouraged to protect themselves from being bitten as mosquitoes become more prevalent in the environment.

A wetter than average winter and minor to moderate flooding throughout the Avoca, Loddon and Murray river catchments has created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes.

“With residents and visitors starting to enjoy the outdoors and explore our lakes, rivers and waterways, it is important to take some simple steps to reduce the risks of being bitten by mosquitoes,” Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.

“Whilst most mosquitoes are just a nuisance, others can carry diseases, such as Ross River Virus Disease and Japanese Encephalitis.”

Residents can protect themselves from being bitten by limiting outdoor activity when mosquitoes are most active, wearing long, loose fitting clothes, and applying a mosquito repellent containing picaridin or DEET to exposed skin when outdoors.

Council officers have been undertaking mosquito control activities across the Gannawarra over the past two weeks as part of the annual Victorian Mosquito Management and Control Program, overseen by the Department of Health.  

“Officers will be out and about treating stagnant water in our local townships over the coming weeks,” Mr O’Reilly said.

“Some targeted fogging to kill adult mosquitoes on public land may also occur.”

Residents are encouraged to remove stagnant water and keep the area around homes well maintained to reduce mosquito breeding sites on their own properties. A knockdown fly-spray or surface spray can be effective in reducing adult mosquitoes and the risk of being bitten around homes.

“Items like pot plant stands, animal watering containers, rainwater tanks, blocked guttering, and unmaintained swimming pools can become significant breeding sites on private land,” Mr O’Reilly said.

“The chance of being bitten can be reduced by removing stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.”

To reduce mosquito breeding on larger properties, mosquito control products are readily available from local rural supply and select hardware stores or by engaging the services of a licenced pest controller.

For more information, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/campaigns/beat-the-bite