Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Gippsland Portal Local News

Recent Rains Might Mean Mossies

The recent heavy rains and warm weather have created the perfect breeding environment for mosquitoes.

By Bass Coast - 15th October 2010 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Council is reminding residents to cover up and take effective precautions from the annoying and biting effects of mosquitoes.

"Traditionally mosquitoes are at their most active at dawn and dusk," explained Bass Coast Shire Council’s Environmental Health Team Leader, Alex Waldron.

"However, in coastal areas there can be activity throughout the day and there are simple precautions that can help protect you. Remember Cover up, Tip it out, Clear it out, and Keep it out!"

Protect yourself in the following ways:

Cover up

· Wear long, loose-fitting clothing and use a suitable insect repellent containing Picaridin or DEET as the active ingredient on exposed skin particularly when camping, in the garden or while at barbecues.

Tip it out

· Reduce stagnant water around the home or campsites. Mosquitoes will breed in anything that can hold water including old tyres, unused fish ponds and pot plant holders. Mosquitoes take about 10 days to breed so empty water containers at least once a week.

· Overturn boats and dinghies.

Clear it out

· Clear out any debris and vegetation from guttering.

· Keep lawns and gardens well maintained so that you are not providing shelter for adult mosquitoes.

· Provide proper drainage on your property.

Keep it out

· Fit insect screens to doors and windows and make sure they are in good condition.

· Fit rainwater tanks with tops, lids or covers.

· Ensure tank inlet pipes are close fitting and outlet and over-flow pipes are fitted with removable screen mesh.

Council is currently undertaking a weekly mosquito monitoring program.

"We run this program from September to January each year," Ms Waldron said.

"This involves trapping, identification, screening and treatment for mosquitoes.

"We are also treating identified breeding sites on Phillip Island each week, using a biological control agent that specifically targets mosquitoes. This is not harmful or toxic to the environment and other species.

"Even with this monitoring program and the treatment of breeding sites, we still encourage everyone to follow these simple precautions, to avoid being bitten or annoyed by mosquitoes."

For more information contact:

Eleanor McKay

communications coordinator

t (03) 5671 2296 | f (03) 5671 2222 | m 0407 557 620

e e.mckay@basscoast.vic.gov.au

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• From Job expos to farms and sports awards connecting communities across East Gippsland through events and advocacy
  From jobs expos to farm visits, sports awards, and community projects, recent weeks highlighted East Gippsland's talent, resilience, and collaboration, advocacy, and opportunities that strengthen local communities.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
  Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs.