Published on Wednesday, 11 December 2019 at 12:30:36 PM
Warm weather is the cue for mosquitos to breed and residents are encouraged to help Fight the Bite to stop mozzies breeding in backyards and prevent the spread of debilitating mosquito-borne diseases such as Ross River Virus.
Stagnant water pools, old car tyres, open containers, pot-plant drip trays, septic and water tanks, roof gutters and domestic ponds can all be ideal environments for mosquito larvae.
The City of Albany implements control measures in mosquito-prone public areas but is again seeking the support of residents and landowners to identify and control breeding hotspots on private property through the Fight the Bite campaign.
Fight the Bite encourages residents to protect themselves from mosquitoes by covering up, using repellent and cleaning up areas around the home that would help mosquitoes to breed.
Manager of Public Health and Safety Scott Reitsema said citizen support was essential to successfully controlling the local mosquito populations.
“We get great results from the management plan we implement each year, but it’s important that residents take some responsibility too. By supporting our baiting efforts we can try to get the best outcome for everyone,” he said.
“It’s also important we guard ourselves and our families from being bitten and potentially getting sick. Wearing long sleeved shirts and pants when out and about, as well as wearing lighter coloured clothing can help to deter them.
“Use insect repellents when possible and cleaning up around the yard are all important steps in the management of mosquitoes; it doesn’t take a big water pool for mosquitos to decide they want to make it their home.”
For more information on mosquito control, visit www.albany.wa.gov.au or head to www.healthywa.gov.au/fightthebite.
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