Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance, they also carry disease. Mosquitoes are most prevalent during the summer months, the common habitats are along the Murray River, Murray Lakes and coastal mangrove areas. Many Alexandrina townships are situated in these areas so it is important to understand how we can protect ourselves and control mosquitoes around the home.

What is Council doing about mosquito control?

The Council is a part of the River Murray Mosquito Control program conducted by SA Health. The program focuses on surveillance and control of disease carriers, as a result it is important to assess your property and practices to minimise nuisance biting.

Personal protection

• wear loose fitting, light coloured clothing. Mosquitoes can bite through tight fitting clothes

• use an insect repellent that contains DEET (Diethyl toluamide)

• use insect screens on your house, unit, house boat, caravan or tent.

What you can do to control mosquitoes on your property

Mosquitoes breed in calm, still water, there are several simple steps that can be taken to minimise their numbers including:

• dispose of unwanted containers and rubbish

• keep fish ponds stocked with fish and free of foliage around the edges

• keep swimming pools full and properly maintained

• screen rainwater tanks with removable screen mesh fitted to overflow outlets, gaps and downpipes. A small quantity (approximately one teaspoon) of domestic kerosene (DO NOT use power kerosene) or paraffin oil may be added to the surface of the water to prevent mosquito breeding

• empty drip trays under pot plants every week

• boats, canoes and dinghies should be overturned or have the drain plug removed.