Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes can spread a number of diseases including Barmah Forest virus disease, Ross River virus disease, Japanese encephalitis and Murray Valley encephalitis.

In rare cases these diseases can cause life threatening illness.

The most important protection against these diseases is to avoid mosquito bites.

  • Cover Up
    Wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and covered shoes outdoors.
  • Apply
    Use mosquito repellents containing picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin.
  • Screen Up
    Cover all windows, doors, vents and other entrances with insect screens and repair any screens that are damaged. Check water tanks are sealed and fitted with mosquito-proof screens.
  • Clean Up
    Remove stagnant water from around your home - even small pools in old tyres, pot plant trays, buckets and trailers.
  • Cut Back
    Cut back long grass, shrubs and bushes.

For more information visit the Better Health website.

Flood Factsheets
Flooding can create areas of stagnant water that encourage mosquitoes to breed. See the Victorian Department of Health's Flood page for more information about what to do after a flood.