By David Kavanagh | posted on December 20, 2019
ALBANY residents are being urged to protect themselves from mosquitos this summer to prevent the spread of debilitating mosquito-borne diseases.
The City of Albany launched its Fight the Bite campaign last week to encourage locals to cover up, use repellent and clean up areas around their homes that would help mosquitoes breed.
The pesky insects deposit their larvae in stagnant pools of water, domestic ponds, roof gutters, septic and water tanks, old car tyres, pot-plant drip trays, open containers and other hiding spots during warm weather.
They spread diseases such as Ross River virus, which can cause inflammation, pain, fatigue and muscle aches from several weeks to up to a year.
Manager of Public Health and Safety Scott Reitsema said citizen support was an essential part of controlling mosquito populations.
“We get great results from the management plan we implement each year, but it’s important that residents take some responsibility too. By supporting our baiting efforts we can try to get the best outcome for everyone,” he said.
“It’s also important we guard ourselves and our families from being bitten and potentially getting sick. Wearing long sleeved shirts and pants when out and about, as well as wearing lighter coloured clothing can help to deter them.
“Using insect repellents when possible and cleaning up around the yard are all important steps in the management of mosquitoes; it doesn’t take a big water pool for mosquitoes to decide they want to make it their home.”
The Great Southern saw a significant spike in Ross River virus cases in early 2017 following record rainfall and flooding across the state.
