Greater Shepparton City Council is working to monitor the current mosquito population across the region, which has grown due to recent flooding in the region.
Mosquitoes are attracted to stagnant water, and with floodwaters receding, large areas of land have become impromptu ponds and a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
There are about 25 species of mosquito that live in Greater Shepparton; however, only one presents concerns regarding transmission of disease to humans, the Culex annulirostris.
However, this does not stop the other 24 species from being a nuisance to people and pets.
Council is advising residents to use insect repellent and cover up to prevent mosquito bites.
Mosquito repellents containing picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or DEET should be applied to all exposed skin.
However, council has also warned that mosquitoes can bite through tight clothing, and that long, loose-fitting clothing works better to prevent bites.
Parents are being asked to double check insect repellent labels. Babies may need to have the repellent applied to clothing rather than skin, and both babies and young children should avoid having the insect repellent on their hands.
With summer holidays fast approaching, people will start to migrate to camping grounds. The Victorian Department of Health is advising would-be holiday-makers to ensure their accommodation is fitted with mosquito netting or screens.
If you plan to gather outside for a barbecue or other social events, organisers should use ’knock-down’ fly spray, surface spray, mosquito coils containing pyrethrum or plug-in repellent to ensure a bite- and itch-free event.