What Type of Mosquito z Avoid Being Bitten z y GENERAL REPELLENT GUIDELINES y z Avoid Being Bitten z y WHAT ABOUT MY PETS? y zzMOSQUITO zz y is Annoying You? y

Prevention of mosquito bites is your first line of Insect repellent containing diethyltoluamide (DEET) or There are a number of other things you can do In addition to transmitting diseases to people, There are almost 100 different species of mosquito defence against mosquito-borne disease. picaridin are the most effective. As a general rule, the to help avoid being affected by mosquitoes: mosquitoes are also responsible for the transmission MANAGEMENT y in WA. The four main disease carrying mosquitoes found greater the percentage of DEET or picaridin, the longer Recognise and avoid areas of mosquito activity of heartworm in pets. Heartworm can affect dogs and in the Cockburn and Kwinana region are described the product will remain effective. e.g. swamps, salt marshes, billabongs and river cats, although infection is more common in dogs. below. Can you identify the mosquito biting you? z COVER Up. REPEL. CLEAN UP. z floodplains particularly around sunrise Symptoms include coughing, fatique, weightloss, y Always follow instructions on the label. IN COCKBURN AND KWINANA and sunset. listlessness and a rough hair coat. In severe cases, y Choose a repellent with an appropriate y heartworm can be fatal. Southern Saltmarsh Mosquito: Aedes camptorhynchus Many mosquitoes are at their biting best around dusk Plan outdoor activities. If you are hosting an This species is prevalent in the Cockburn concentration of DEET or picaridin to match the outdoor BBQ have repellent available for your The risk of heartworm infection can be lowered by and dawn, but some will bite day and night. and Kwinana region and is able to breed length of time you are outdoors. guests. They may not have thought ahead reducing mosquitoes around your property. There in both fresh and salt water. This mosquito y Apply directly to skin (except face) and spread and you want to make sure your function is are also a variety of products available for heartworm can disperse over long distances especially COVER UP evenly with hands. remembered for the right reasons. prevention. Be sure to consult your veterinarian through bushland or along creek lines. Wear long, loose-fitting, light y before starting a preventative medication or if your y For face application, apply first to hands and then Screen all doors and windows on your house coloured clothing to cover pet is unwell. spread evenly on face, avoiding mouth and eyes. and make sure there are no holes or tears. exposed skin. y Summer Saltmarsh Mosquito: Aedes vigilax y Consider using residual surface sprays on Repellents will not be as effective if applied structures particularly in shaded and sheltered This species is very abundant in sparingly to the skin. areas. Use as per the label instructions. the Cockburn and Kwinana region REPEL y Reapply repellent according to the label. during summer and into autumn. Apply insect repellent containing It breeds in salt water left behind after DEET (diethyltoluamide) or y y spring tides and storm surges. What if I Am Bitten? picaridin evenly to all areas of y PROTECT YOUR BABY OR TODDLER y exposed skin. The main mosquito-borne disease risks to people Where possible, avoid exposing your baby or child in the Cockburn and Kwinana region are Ross River Domestic Container Mosquito: Aedes notoscriptus CLEAN UP to mosquitoes. Consider staying indoors, using pram virus and Barmah Forest virus. This mosquito prefers relatively clean fresh water. netting or dressing them in loose, long-sleeved clothing, Stop mosquitoes breeding around The only way to confirm if you have a mosquito-borne It naturally breeds in tree and rock holes filled by socks and shoes. rain but is often found around the home your home by removing, emptying or disease is to visit your doctor for a specific blood test. breeding in receptacles like buckets, tyres, covering water holding containers. Mosquito repellents for children There is currently no cure and no vaccine for any pot plant bases, bird baths and plants of these diseases. The only way to prevent infection y Under 12 months - repellents containing DEET like bromeliads which hold water after is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. watering. It mostly bites around dusk and or picaridin are not recommended. does not disperse over long distances. y From 12 months – repellents containing up to Common symptoms of Ross River & Barmah Forest 10% DEET or picaridin can be used. viruses include: y y y Further Information Common Banded Mosquito: Culex annulirostris Application guidelines for children skin rashes y This mosquito likes to breed in warm y Do not allow children to apply repellent. painful or swollen joints fresh water that may be permanent or If you have any questions or wish to report y y sore muscles z COVER Up. REPEL. CLEAN UP. z temporary. It breeds over much of the Apply repellent firstly to the hands of the carer and suspected mosquito breeding sites please contact an year but particularly after heavy summer then spread evenly to exposed skin of child. y flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, headache) Environmental Health Officer at your local authority. rain. It mainly bites in the evening y Alternatively, you can visit: Avoid applying repellents to hands, near the eyes y tiredness or weakness. after sunset and can disperse long healthywa.wa.gov.au/FighttheBite or mouth. distances from freshwater wetlands. Symptoms can last for several weeks to months, y Do not apply repellent under clothing. and in some cases, years. See your doctor if you

are experiencing symptoms. This brochure is supported by the WA Department of Health. Fight the Bite is an initiative of the Government of South Australia Mosquitoes in the Your Council’s Mosquito z Mosquito Monitoring z z Management z z What Can You Do? z Rainwater Tank Environment Control Program Checklist

Control options include chemical, physical and You can help reduce mosquitoes by taking some Mosquitoes can affect many areas, particularly Your council has a mosquito control program that Each council regularly monitors known breeding biological techniques. A range of factors including simple steps to remove mosquito breeding habitats the severity of the mosquito problem, environmental around your home. Rainwater tanks, if not installed correctly can those near waterways and other water sources. runs throughout the year. These programs are made sites within their district. produce large numbers of mosquitoes. Use this up of four primary measures: conditions and impacts on the environment They have the potential to cause nuisance and Monitoring is usually conducted by setting adult are considered when deciding the best control checklist to ensure you are not breeding mosquitoes. transmit diseases. The risk and nuisance levels 1. Source reduction traps and inspecting water bodies for mosquito measures to be implemented. Dispose of all containers that hold larvae. Public complaints or reports of an infectious water. they pose can change depending on environmental 2. Monitoring and investigation Is there a seal between the roof disease such as Ross River virus may lead to an Larvicides are commonly used as they are highly conditions and the type of mosquito. and main body of the tank? 3. Management investigation being undertaken. effective at killing mosquito larvae, preventing the Stock ornamental points with mosquito The continued development of areas in close emergence of adult mosquitoes. Importantly, they larvae eating native fish such as 4. Education Adult mosquitoes are trapped, counted and identified proximity to mosquito habitat has also compounded are target specific and do not affect other organisms Western Pygmy Perch. Keep vegetation to species. This helps determine where they may be the problem. in the environment when applied appropriately. away from the water’s edge. breeding and if the numbers are higher than normal. The traditional method of ‘fogging’ is no longer used Mosquito numbers can vary significantly from year Treatment will be undertaken when significant in the metropolitan area due to its harmful effect on Keep swimming pools well chlorinated, to year. Different climatic factors such as temperature, mosquito breeding is identified. other organisms, such as bees. filtered and free of dead leaves. Is there a mesh cover on the inlet pipe? high tides and rainfall can greatly influence growth cycles. If the breeding occurs on private land the local government can require the owner to take action Level or drain depressions in to eliminate these breeding sites, such as disused the ground that hold water. pool, gutters, car tyres etc. Your Council Working in Fit mosquito-proof covers to vent Is there a mesh cover on the overflow pipe? pipes on septic tank systems. Seal Partnership with its Neighbours all gaps around the lid and ensure leach drains are completely covered.

Larval monitoring Mosquitoes do not recognise local government Screen rainwater tanks with insect‑proof boundaries. Breeding in one area may affect mesh, including inlet, overflow and residents in another. The Cities of Cockburn and inspection ports. Ensure guttering is Is the man-hole lid adequately sealed? Kwinana are working in partnership to address this z Source Reduction z not blocked and does not hold water. problem. Empty pot plant drip trays once This partnership ensures information and resources z Education z a week or fill with sand. Empty are shared and that issues are addressed regardless Source reduction strategies are intended to eliminate and clean animal and pet drinking of boundaries. Funding is sourced directly from the mosquito breeding sites. water bowls once a week. Department of Health, thereby minimising the Despite best efforts, mosquito problems may arise They attempt to ensure water does not accumulate Some plants (especially bromeliads) financial burden on residents. from time to time, particularly following higher than and allow mosquitoes to breed. Examples include hold water in their leaf axils. These improved stormwater design and maintenance, filling average rainfall or tides. If you answered NO to any of the above questions, should also be emptied weekly. then your tank has the potential to breed depressions, removing disused material such as old Education strategies are designed to inform and mosquitoes. tyres and ensuring structures such as swimming pools Adult mosquito trap empower the community to take their own actions Residual chemical sprays can be used to further and gutters are properly maintained. to minimise the effects of mosquitoes. They can reduce mosquitoes. This should not, however, replace include warnings at known problem areas or general the removal and prevention of backyard breeding information and advice. sites which is a more effective control method.