Get Mosquito ready this Summer

Mosquitoes aren’t just a nuisance – some also carry diseases that can make you really sick. The risk of mosquito-borne diseases is increasing in NSW due to the warm, wet weather forecast. This summer it’s important to take extra steps to protect yourself and your family by keeping mosquitoes away – Spray up, Cover up, Screen up and Clean up! 

How do I get rid of mosquitoes around my home?

The best way to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home is to:

• use insecticide sprays and vapour dispensing units
• install fly screens on windows, doors, vents and chimneys
• use mosquito coils outside in well ventilated areas
• if camping, ensure tents are well protected with flyscreens, or sleep under mosquito nets

How do I get rid of mosquitoes in my backyard?

Backyard water-holding containers make perfect mosquito breeding habitats because mosquitoes need still and stagnant water to lay their eggs. Take the following steps, at least once per week, to get reduce the risk of mosquitoes breeding around the home:

• clean up your backyard and remove all water-holding containers, including buckets, tyres, toys etc, and store them in a dry place
• mow your lawn regularly
• empty and wipe out bird baths, pet water bowls and water features
• fill pot plant bases with sand to avoid standing water
• store anything that can hold water undercover or in a dry place, and keep bins covered
• remove leaves in water-holding plants
• clear drains and roof gutters so water runs freely
• cover or securely screen the openings of septic tanks and rainwater tanks.

Protecting yourself from a mosquito disease 

Simple steps to avoid mosquito bites include:

• Use flyscreens on windows and doors and ensure they do not have any rips or holes
• When outside cover up as much as possible with light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and covered footwear, especially in the early morning and evening.
• Apply mosquito repellent regularly to exposed areas (as directed on the container). Use repellents containing either Diethyl Toluamide (DEET), Picaridin or oils of lemon eucalyptus (OLE).
• When mosquitoes are present inside the room use over the counter insecticide sprays, especially behind furniture and in dark places.
• When camping, make sure your tent is well protected with flyscreens, or sleep under mosquito nets. 

Mosquito hotspots in your community

We have identified the following mosquito hotspot areas due to ideal breeding conditions. It is important to take extra steps to protect yourself in these areas. 

These hotspot areas include:

• Silverwater Park
• Eric Primrose Park (Foreshore and Oval)
• George Kendall Riverside Park
• Rydalmere Ferry wharf
• Baludarri Wetland
• Archer Park
• Burruwang Park
• Pierre De Coubertin Park
• Blankers Koen Park

For more information, visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/mosquitoes