Mosquitoes swarm Peel region

Friday, 1 April 2022 09:11

By Monique Welhan

Mosquitoes are wreaking havoc on the Peel region with some residents reporting they can't even go outside without being swarmed.

The City of Mandurah said there's been an increase in mosquito activity recently but with more aerial treatments they're hoping to see a decline in the coming weeks.

"This is due to persistent tidal flooding & humid weather conditions promoting mosquito breeding, requiring us to treat even more than regular," a City of Mandurah spokesperson said.

"While these treatments are highly effective, an increase in mosquito numbers is also unavoidable."

The City's helicopter has treated over 1100 hectares of mosquito breeding areas since early February and will be completing a 20th treatment over the next few days.

"This treatment along with some more favourable weather conditions will hopefully see mozzie activity decline in the weeks ahead."

To avoid being bitten and possibly contracting a mosquito-borne virus residents should do the following:

avoid outdoor exposure, particularly around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
wear long, loose-fitting and light-coloured clothing when outdoors.
apply a personal repellent containing diethyltoluamide (DEET) or picaridin evenly to any exposed skin (always follow instructions on the label).
ensure infants and children are adequately protected against mosquito bites, preferably with suitable clothing, bed nets or other forms of insect screening.
ensure insect screens are installed and remain in good condition.
use mosquito nets or mosquito-proof tents camping or sleeping outdoors.

To reduce the potential of mosquitoes breeding around the home, residents should:

dispose of all containers that hold water where mosquitoes like to breed.
stock ornamental ponds with fish.
keep swimming pools well-chlorinated, filtered and free of dead leaves.
fit mosquito-proof covers to vent pipes on septic and rainwater tank systems. Seal all gaps around the lid and ensure leach drains are completely covered.
empty pot plant drip trays once a week.
empty, clean and replenish your pet’s water bowl every day.

For more information on how to prevent mosquito bites, visit http://healthywa.wa.gov.au/fightthebite

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