The Tackling Mosquitos Together campaign is a co-operative effort of seven councils located in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales – Tweed Shire Council, Ballina Shire Council, Byron Shire Council, Kyogle Council, Clarence Valley Council, Richmond Valley Council, and Lismore City Council – supported by the Department of Local Government.
Mosquitos spread diseases that can cause serious illness and have long-term health impacts including Ross River Virus and Barmah Forrest Virus.
429 cases of Ross River Virus were reported by the Northern NSW Local Health District in 2020. That is the second highest number of cases on record, up from an average of 135 cases a year over the last 30 years.
Water-holding containers, often found around the home, make perfect mosquito breeding habitats. Still and stagnant water is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitos who are able to lay more than 300 eggs at once.
It is recommended backyard water-holding containers should be emptied once a week.
You can help protect yourself and your family from the nuisance and disease risks of mosquitos by correctly applying repellent.
Applying repellent is easy, but there are a few things you should know to make sure you are doing it correctly:
- Apply repellent directly and evenly to all areas of exposed skin – like sunscreen
- A dab of repellent here and there won’t work – mozzies will find and bite any areas of skin you miss
- Reapply repellent according to the label, or when you feel mozzies starting to bite
- Always purchase approved products and follow the instructions on the label.
The most effective and safe repellents contain at least one of the following active ingredients:
- Picardin
- DEET
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus
Pump spray repellents are generally more effective than aerosols because they are easier to rub on to the skin.
Receive the latest news about the Tackling Mosquitos Together campaign and to receive helpful tips and reminders to protect yourself, your family and community from the disease risks and nuisance of mosquitoes, you can join-up for the free SMS programme here : https://www.tacklingmosquitoestogether.com.au/
