Close up of a mosquito on skin

Mosquitoes have the potential to cause diseases such as Ross River Virus and Barmah Forest Fever in humans, as well as heartworm in dogs.

Receding floodwaters and pooling water from heavy rainfall can provide perfect conditions for mosquito breeding. This can result in more mosquitoes, increasing the potential for outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases. The best way to prevent mosquito-borne diseases is to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. 

To remove potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes, ensure to regularly inspect areas around your house and yard where water may be ponding and screen all openings to tanks, wells or other large water containers with wire gauze. 

For a full list of simple steps to control mosquitoes around your home and protect you and your family, see below.

 

Mosquito control around the home

Follow these simple steps to control mosquito breeding around the home:

  • Inspect your house and yard for pools of accumulated water.
  • Put sand around the bases of pot plants to absorb water in the dish. For outdoor pot plants, you could dispose of the dish altogether.
  • Dispose of all tins, jars, tyres and other rubbish items that may hold water.
  • At least once a week, empty all flower vases, pot plants and other receptacles that hold water. Wipe inside of these containers to remove mosquito eggs. Place the cloth in the bin. Do not wash the cloth as this may spread the eggs.
  • Screen all openings to tanks, wells or other large water containers with wire gauze no coarser than 1mm mesh.
  • Keep roof guttering in good repair and regularly remove leaves and debris so to prevent pools of water.
  • Cut back and trim trees to prevent leaves from blocking roof guttering.
  • Keep fishponds and ornamental ponds stocked with fish. Goldfish and native Australian fish are recommended.
  • Keep swimming pools chlorinated or salted. If your pool is not used for a period of time make sure that it is maintained to avoid mosquito breeding.
  • Empty children's wading pools after use and clean with a cloth to remove mosquito eggs.
  • Drill holes in tyres used for swings.
  • Empty birdbaths and pets drinking water at least once a week and clean containers to remove eggs.
  • Keep all drains and channels free from obstructions.
  • Boats, canoes and dinghies should be overturned or have the drain plug removed so that they do not hold rainwater.

 

Ways to protect yourself from mosquitoes

Follow these precautions to help protect yourself:

  • mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, so limit the time you spend in mosquito-prone areas at these times
  • wear loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves and long pants
  • use insect repellent on exposed skin (either synthetic chemical-based such as DEET or picaridin or a natural product containing eucalyptus, citronella or melaleuca)
  • install screens on your doors and windows
  • sleep under a mosquito bed net if your home is unscreened or when camping
  • use mosquito coils, lanterns or a mosquito spray
  • turn on a fan as the airflow produced can help keep mosquitoes away
  • screen and maintain your rainwater tanks.