Forecast favours mosquito activity

Warmer weather means the start of mosquito season and, with more favourable conditions than normal predicted for this season, the City is expecting an increase in mosquito activity.

Mosquito management is already underway, including surveillance and treatment of breeding sites, and this will continue over the warmer months to help reduce mosquito numbers.

Aside from being a nuisance, mosquitoes can spread disease. The only way to prevent mosquito-borne disease is to avoid being bitten.

Here are a few tips to protect yourself and your family:

• Cover up by wearing light coloured, full-length, loose-fitting clothing.
• Repel apply an insect repellent containing diethyltoluamide (DEET) or picaridin.
• Install mosquito-proof screens and use mosquito nets. 
• Clean up to prevent mosquito breeding around the home. Remove, empty or cover anything that collects and allows water to sit for mosquitoes to breed. Common sources include gutters, bird baths, pet water bowls, pots and pot saucers, water tanks, water features, ornamental ponds, pipes, drains and buckets.
• Maintain your swimming pool
• Minimise garden overgrowth.
  

To learn more about preventing mosquitoes visit the Department of Health website.

For concerns about potential breeding sites, please contact the City’s Environmental Health Services via southperth.wa.gov.au/request or call 9474 0777.