PREVENT MOSQUITOES FROM BREEDING AROUND YOUR HOME

• Inspect your house and yard for any water catchment areas
• Empty containers that may hold water, such as old tyres, buckets, tins and rubbish bins
• Drill holes in tyres used for swings, playground equipment and garden surrounds that may hold water
• Empty bird baths, pets water bowls and livestock troughs on a weekly basis
• Put sand around the bases of pot plants to reduce water accumulation
• Prevent puddles from forming by ensuring garden taps are not leaking
• Keep swimming pools chlorinated or salted.
• Keep fish ponds stocked with fish. Goldfish and native Australian fish are recommended as they are a natural predator of mosquito larvae
• Screen all openings to rainwater tanks, wells or other large water containers with wire gauze, no courser than 1mm mesh
• Keep all open drains and channels free from obstructions like weeds, grass and other debris
• Keep roof gutters in good repair and remove leaves and debris so that pools of water do not form
• Replace cracked septic tank lids and provide sub-soil irrigation (below the surface) where possible to avoid pooling of water
• Dispose of waste water or irrigate in a way that ponding does not occur
• Overturn boats, canoes and dinghies or remove the drain plug so they are unable to hold water
• Stock dams with native fish and keep the edges clear of plants and grass
• Flush disused outdoor toilets at least once a week or keep the toilet lid down

STOP MOSQUITOES FROM ENTERING YOUR HOME

• Ensure flywire screens on doors and windows are in good order
• When camping, ensure your tent is screened to stop mosquitoes from entering

AVOID GETTING BITTEN BY MOSQUITOES

• Wear clothing that is loose fitting, has long sleeves and pants, and is light coloured.  Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours.
• Wear shoes and socks that cover your feet
• Avoid outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.  Some mosquitoes in the coastal areas bite during the day as well.
• Use an effective repellent on exposed skin
• Repellents containing the active ingredient 'DEET' or Picaridin are most effective against mosquitoes
• Take care when applying repellents, always read the product label before use

 REPELLING MOSQUITOES NATURALLY

Some plants and herbs have the potential to naturally repel mosquitoes.  They can be used in a variety of ways and if used properly can have an impact on the number of mosquitoes around your home.  However, care should be taken when handling some of these plants as some people have a sensitivity to them.

• Pelargonium Citrosa (citrus geranium)  This plant can be grown in gardens or pots.  They offer a localised protection against mosquitoes by releasing a citronella scent.  They grow to be around 1.3 metres in height and are ideal for outdoor areas around your home including BBQ areas, verandahs and patios.
• Pennyroyal, Marigold, Basil and Rue  These species should be planted in pots and located near doorways and windows, to deter mosquitoes from entering the house.  The leaves of these plants can also be rubbed into the skin, which acts as a repellent.
• Mint and Garlic  Mint and garlic can be used as an all-purpose insecticide.  Mix equal parts of mint, garlic, onion and lavender and cover with water for 24 hours.  Strain the mixture and then spray around mosquito prone areas.