There is currently a higher risk of mosquito-borne Murray Valley encephalitis and Kunjin viruses in South Australia, particularly in regions along the River Murray. A sentinel chicken based at Meningie has tested positive for Murray Valley encephalitis and Kunjin viruses. View the 13 January 2021 public health alert for further information and avoid mosquito bites.
Cover up
Wear long, loose fitting, light coloured clothing, covering as much of the body as you can. Mosquitoes can bite through tight clothing like jeans.
Repel with repellent
When outdoors, apply insect repellent containing DEET (diethyl toluamide) or picaridin and always follow instructions on the label
mosquito coils can help protect from mosquitoes when outside but always follow instructions on the label
Eliminate with household protection
Simple changes around the home can help to reduce or eliminate mosquitoes.
Stop mosquitoes coming indoors
Place mosquito-proof mesh on doors and windows
cover your sleeping areas with mosquito nets if you don’t have insect screens
aerosol knockdown or surface insect sprays can help control mosquitoes inside the home but always follow instructions on the label.
Stop mosquitoes breeding
Mosquitoes breed in still water, fresh or salty, and often in puddles and containers.
Cover rainwater tanks, septic tank openings, wells or other large water containers with mosquito-proof mesh
maintain roof gutters and remove leaves and debris so that pools of water do not form
keep edges of dams clear of vegetation
empty and refill bird baths, stock troughs and pets’ drinking water containers at least once a week
maintain and disinfect swimming pools
empty wading pools at the end of each day
ornamental ponds, unused swimming pools or other water bodies should be either emptied or stocked with small Australian native fish to eat any mosquito larvae ('wrigglers').
Water conservation, collection or storage
Mosquitoes can also breed in containers or tanks used to store stormwater, greywater and rainwater.
Containers should be emptied, fitted with a well sealing lid, or openings covered with mosquito-proof mesh
if mosquito larvae ('wrigglers') are present then screen or close-off the point of entry
do not allow water to pool in containers below the outlets or taps.
As a last resort, rainwater tanks can be treated by adding a small amount of liquid paraffin or domestic kerosene. Do not apply kerosene if water levels are low.
Add 5ml of kerosene or one teaspoon for a 1 kilolitretank – up to 15ml or 3 teaspoons for a 10 kilolitre tank. When using paraffin, double the dose.
Consult your rainwater tank manufacturer about whether kerosene can be used. Commercial or industrial kerosenes, such as power kerosene for tractors, should not be used in rainwater tanks.
Related information
You can search through to find related information.
Fight the Bite at home
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Fight the Bite: At Home or on Holiday (A4 poster)
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Fight the Bite resources
A collection of downloadable brochures and posters for the Fight the Bite campaign.
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