With a wet summer forecast, there are already plenty of mosquitoes about.
We all know mosquitoes can be a nuisance, but some can spread serious diseases when they bite.
It is important that you take action and FIGHT THE BITE!
Some mosquitoes can spread rare, but sometimes serious and even fatal diseases. Mosquito-borne diseases spread in South Australia include Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus and Japanese Encephalitis virus, among others.
Many mosquitoes are at their biting best around dusk and dawn, but some can bite day and night.
An important step to protecting yourself and your family is to avoid being bitten.
COVER UP!
Wear long, loose fitting and light coloured clothing, covering as much of the body as you can. Mosquitoes can bite through tight clothes like jeans.
REPEL!
People should use mosquito repellents containing either DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (PMD), that have been approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority. Repellents should be applied in the same way you would put on sunscreen. If you miss a spot with the sunscreen, this spot may burn. The same applies with repellents, if you miss a spot this is vulnerable to mosquito bites.
It is important to protect babies and toddlers from the harmful diseases some mosquitoes can carry. Mosquito repellents are one form of protection for babies and toddlers against mosquito bites, but it is important to follow these recommendations and tips.
ELIMINATE!
It’s important to minimise the risks around your home, shack, boat or caravan by eliminating mosquitoes from breeding.
Using simple personal and household protection measures allows us to live with mosquitoes and reduce the risk of disease.
Council has in place a mosquito surveillance and control program. Mosquito breeding sites are monitored for mosquito activity and treated if necessary. The District Council of Elliston Mosquito Management Plan is available to view on the Council website.