EFFORTS to control mosquitoes throughout the district will begin this week, one month earlier than scheduled due to September’s rainfall.
Gannawarra Shire commenced surveillance works last week, focusing priority on the township areas of Kerang, Cohuna, Koondrook, Leitchville, Quambatook and Murrabit.
Trapping of adult mosquitoes will commence this week, with trap contents sent for virus analysis acting as an early warning system for mosquito-borne diseases circulating in the environment.
“Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk so it is important to avoid being outside at these times,” council’s community health manager, Narelle O’Donoghue said.
Where this is not possible, wear a good quality repellant (those containing DEET or Picaridin are the most effective), and cover up exposed skin.”
Property owners and residents are also asked to ensure potential breeding sites are eliminated.
This can be done by disposing of all tins, tyres and other rubbish containers that may hold water; putting sand around bases of pot plants to absorb excess water in the dish; keeping swimming pools full and properly maintained, or emptying them; and overturn boats and dinghies or remove the drain plug so they do not hold water.
“Mosquitoes generally don’t move far from where they breed and one small pond of water can produce thousands of mosquitoes each week,” Mrs O’Donoghue said.
“One way everyone can help is to walk around their yard and empty any containers that hold water for more than a few days.”
The Victorian mosquito management program commenced after an outbreak of Murray Valley Encephalitis in 1974. Other diseases carried by mosquitoes in northern Victoria include Ross River virus disease and Barmah Forest virus disease.
