Recent rainfall within the City of Greater Geraldton has seen an increase in mosquito numbers, triggering the City to remind all residents to take action to reduce the risk of Mosquito-borne viruses and parasites which can cause major human and animal sicknesses.

Mosquito and midges population has increased in low-lying areas, particularly where water has been pooled.

Mosquitoes breed in standing water which includes water holding containers such as tyres, pot plant drips, septic and water tanks, roof gutters and domestic ponds.

To prevent being bitten the following is recommended:

Avoid areas with mosquito activity
Wear protective clothing (e.g. long sleeved shirts and trousers)
Use personal mosquito repellents
Protect occupants in the house by eliminating mosquito access through doors and windows (e.g. use of flyscreens for doors and windows)

You can eliminate breeding areas in your backyard by doing the following:

Dispose of all containers which hold water
Keep swimming pools well chlorinated and filtered, and free of dead leaves
Fill or drain depressions in the ground that hold water
Screen rainwater tanks with insect-proof mesh, including inlet, overflow and inspection ports. Ensure guttering does not hold water
Empty pot plant drip trays once a week or will with sand
Also empty and clean animal and pet drinking water once a week

An information letter drop is planned for affected areas and the City’s Environmental Health Officers are currently investigating susceptible areas and will be taking action, where possible, to reduce the risk to residents.

For further information contact the Environmental Health and Sustainability (not Safety) team on (08) 9956 6600.