Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes can spread diseases that make people sick. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to avoid mosquito bites.
Diseases spread by mosquitoes in Australia include:
Take extra care at dawn and dusk
In the ACT, mosquitoes are most active:
- at dawn
- at dusk
- during the evening.
Avoid areas with lots of mosquitoes at these times where possible.
If you sleep outdoors, use a mosquito net.
Wear clothes that cover your skin
When mosquitoes are active:
- wear a loose-fitting long-sleeved shirt
- wear long pants
- wear covered shoes
- choose light-coloured clothing where possible.
Some mosquitoes can bite through thin clothing. For extra protection, you can wear insecticide-treated clothing.
Always apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin.
Use mosquito repellent
Apply mosquito repellent to all exposed skin.
Choose a repellent that contains:
- DEET
- picaridin
- oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Always follow the instructions on the label.
Reapply repellent as directed, especially after swimming, exercise or sweating.
Choose a mosquito repellent that is proven to work. Be cautious of products like ultrasonic devices, wristbands, patches and supplements, which may have limited evidence of effectiveness.
Use sunscreen and repellent correctly
Apply sunscreen first. Then apply mosquito repellent.
If your repellent contains DEET, you may need to reapply sunscreen more often.
Protect babies, children and pregnant people
Always check the label to make sure the repellent is suitable for your child's age.
For babies under 3 months old, use mosquito netting over prams and carriers.
Mosquito repellents approved for use in Australia are safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, always check the label and only use as directed,
Keep mosquitoes out of your home
To stop mosquitoes entering your home:
- install flyscreens on windows and doors
- repair damaged screens
- screen vents and other openings.
You can also use insect sprays and other insect control products. Use these products as well as repellent and protective clothing, not on their own.
Remove places where mosquitoes breed
Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Even small amounts of water can attract them.
To reduce mosquito breeding around your home:
- remove containers that collect and hold water
- clean roof gutters
- keep bins covered
- change water in bird baths every week
- store items undercover so they cannot collect water
- fill pot plant trays with sand
- mow lawns regularly
- flush water from bromeliads and other water-holding plants each week.
Check water tanks and pools
Make sure rainwater, stormwater and greywater tanks are:
- covered with a tight-fitting lid
- fitted with mosquito-proof mesh.
If you see wrigglers (baby mosquitoes), remove the standing water or stop it from collecting.
Keep swimming pools clean and well-maintained using filters and disinfectants. Poorly maintained pools can become mosquito breeding sites.
If you live on a farm
You may need to take extra steps to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
These include:
- keeping dams and ground pools free of excess vegetation
- checking dams and irrigation systems for leaks
- avoiding over-irrigation
- preventing water from pooling in drains and low-lying areas.
Get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis
If you are eligible, get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis (JE).
Free JE vaccination is available for eligible groups, including some people travelling to high-risk areas of Australia.
Vaccination can help protect you from serious illness.
Even if you are vaccinated, you should still take steps to avoid mosquito bites.