Fight the bite

The peak mosquito season for the Perth metropolitan area runs during spring and summer, from September to March.

Mosquitoes can breed around your home. They will lay their eggs in fresh or salty water, and often in containers that hold water. Common breeding sites include pot plant drip trays, gutters, ponds, pet water bowls, old tyres, rubbish, containers and pools that are not well maintained. 

There are a number of simple ways to prevent being bitten and reduce mosquito breeding around your home.

Cover up – wear long, loose-fitting, light coloured clothing, covering as much of the body as you can

Repel – When outdoors and mosquitoes are present, apply insect repellent containing DEET (diethyltoluamide) or picaridin evenly to exposed skin.

Clean Up – simple changes around your home can reduce mosquito breeding. Remove, empty or cover water-holding containers. 

Each year the City’s Environmental Health department runs a Mosquito Management Program during peak mosquito season. This aims to reduce breeding in salt marsh and fresh water areas.

For more information and tips about how to prevent mosquito bites visit Healthy WA.