IN an effort to protect the community against potentially harmful mosquito bites, the Mildura council will be spraying public places around Sunraysia.
Mildura Rural City Council is urging residents to continue to protect themselves against mosquito-borne diseases, especially as school holidays begin.
Council will be carrying out regular "fogging" in public spaces, the spraying authorised by the Health Department in response to the current outbreak of Japanese encephalitis in Victoria.
The spray produces a slight fog, which may appear like smoke, using a chemical equivalent to a household insect spray.
Council said fogging would only be carried out in public places and tree lines around townships, and not in residential areas at this stage.
Council manager for development services Andrew Millen said that while fogging was an effective way to reduce adult mosquito numbers, the most effective way to prevent mosquito-borne disease was to avoid being bitten.
He said residents could take a few simple precautions around their home to avoid potential mosquito breeding sources, such as stagnant water.
"Many regular household or backyard items commonly hold stagnant water, making them potential breeding sources, including flowerpots, tyres, buckets, tins, bird baths and pet bowls," Mr Millen said.
"It's good practice, particularly after it's rained, to regularly remove any stagnant water from these items on a weekly or fortnightly basis."
For more information, visit: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/campaigns/beat-biteSteps to avoid mosquito bites include:
- Wear long, loose-fitting clothing
- Use repellents containing DEET or picaridin on exposed skin
- Ensure flyscreens are fitted to all windows and put self-closing wire screens on doors
- If camping during the upcoming Easter break, make sure flyscreens on tents or swags are in good shape, with no tears or gaps
