Mosquitoes can carry diseases that may be passed on to people through mosquito bites. In Australia, some of these include Murray Valley encephalitis virus, Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus and dengue fever.
Mosquito-borne diseases can make people ill and, in severe cases, can cause death.
How to avoid mosquito bites
There are many simple things you can do to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes:
- Avoid outdoor activity around dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear long loose clothes if mosquitoes are around, preferably in light colours.
- Use effective mosquito repellents on exposed skin and clothing.
- Use ‘knockdown’ sprays, mosquito coils and plug-in vaporising devices indoors.
- Sleep under mosquito nets treated with repellents or insecticides if you don’t have flywire screens on windows.
Choosing a mosquito repellent
Repellents come in liquids, lotions, gels, aerosols and pump sprays. It is important to make sure you choose a mosquito repellent that is safe and effective and that you always use it according to the instructions on the label. Look for the list of ‘active constituents’ on the label.
Creams and gels based on N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET, or diethyltoluamide) or picaridin are currently regarded as providing the most effective form of protection. Most products provide protection for between one and three hours in typical situations. If you swim or sweat profusely, protection will be less and you may need to reapply.
You should also:
- Choose repellents in which the active constituent is DEET or picaridin (this will be shown on the label).
- Always read and follow directions on the label when using any pesticide product, including insect repellents.
- Apply the repellent sparingly to exposed skin, especially on children.
- Avoid parts of children’s hands that may touch the eyes or mouth.
- Avoid using the repellent on a daily basis for prolonged periods. If long-term protection is needed, consult your pharmacist.
- Stop using the repellent immediately and consult your doctor if you suspect an allergic reaction.
Remember to store repellents where infants and young children can’t reach them.
Control of mosquitoes around the home
You can reduce the risk of mosquito bites if you get rid of potential mosquito breeding sites around your home:
- Install flywire screens on all windows and self-closing wire screens on doors. Check them regularly and mend any holes.
- Prevent pools of water from forming – get rid of unused tins, tyres and similar rubbish, clean gutters and drains regularly and mend leaking taps.
- Change pets’ drinking water and the water in vases, pot plants and bird baths at least once a week.
- Put sand around the base of pot plants to absorb excess water in the dish.
- Flush unused toilets once a week.
- Keep swimming pools chlorinated or salted and empty them completely when not in use for long periods.
- Empty children’s wading pools regularly.
- Keep fishponds stocked with fish.
If you have a rainwater tank:
- Make sure that any tops, lids, covers and inlet pipes are close fitting.
- Fit a removable screen mesh to the outlet end of overflow pipes and to all water inlets.
Where to get help
- Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Unit, Department of Health Victoria Tel. 1300 651 160
Things to remember
- Mosquito-borne diseases can cause illness.
- There are many simple things you can do to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes.
You might also be interested in:
Cockroaches.
Dengue fever.
Malaria.
Ross River virus disease.
Travel health - yellow fever vaccine.
Viral encephalitis.
Water tanks and dams - safety tips.
West Nile virus.
Want to know more?
Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.
| 
Home >
Fact sheets by category >
Diseases and conditions >
Environmental >
General >
Mosquitoes can carry ....
