Mosquitoes
Find out about the management of mosquitoes.
Protecting our community from mosquito bites
The City of Armadale is reminding residents to take simple precautions to avoid mosquito bites following the detection of Ross River virus (RRV) in mosquitoes through routine Department of Health surveillance in the Piara Nature Reserve area.
Detection of mosquito-borne viruses can occur during warmer months when mosquito activity increases and is not unexpected at this time of year.
What the City is doing
The City has an active mosquito management program in place and has already undertaken preventative treatment in the area. This work focuses on larval control, which is the most effective and environmentally responsible way to reduce mosquito numbers before they become adults.
City officers continue to monitor mosquito activity and will carry out further targeted treatment where required, particularly in known breeding areas.
What residents can do
While the City undertakes ongoing mosquito management, it’s important that residents also take simple steps to reduce their risk of mosquito bites:
Cover up - wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing when outdoors, especially at dawn and early evening.
Repel - use an effective mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (PMD), following label instructions.
Clean up - remove or empty water-holding containers around your home and garden to reduce mosquito breeding.
About Ross River virus
Ross River virus is spread through mosquito bites. Symptoms can include joint pain, muscle aches, fever, fatigue and rash. There is no vaccine for Ross River virus, so preventing mosquito bites is the best protection.
Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical advice from their GP.
City of Armadale Mosquito Management Plan
The City has developed a Mosquito Management Plan as an integrated management approach to help control and reduce the impact of mosquitoes on both residents and visitors of the City.
The plan addresses the common mosquito breeding areas, provides suitable control options, and outlines key ongoing monitoring, surveillance, and evaluation methods to assess the overall effectiveness of the mosquito management program.
Please refer to the document below for the City’s Mosquito Management Plan.
Contiguous Local Authority Group (CLAG)
The City has joined the Southern Metropolitan CLAG together with the City of Cockburn, City of Kwinana, Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale and Department of Health to work together towards improving and managing mosquito populations.
The group meets regularly to discuss mosquito management actions, monitoring, treatment results, and opportunities for improvement. The Department of Health provide expert advice and assistance as well as financial support for Local Government programs.
Department of Health’s Contiguous Local Authority Group (CLAG) Mosquito Management ProgramPlease see below link for more information on Department of Health’s Contiguous Local Authority Group (CLAG) Mosquito Management Program.
Mosquito bites and health risks
The City is involved in mosquito research and management on public land but residents are responsible for management on their own property.
Watch this video on how to protect your family and pets - Be aware of the dangers of mosquito bites and the simple preventative measures that can be taken.
Mosquitoes pass on diseases including Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus. Pets are also at risk of contracting heartworm from parasitic worms passed on by mosquitoes.
Minimise the impact of mosquitoes
Take simple preventative safety measures whilst outdoors such as:
Applying personal insect repellent (read directions for safe application)
Covering up by wearing light coloured loose-fitting long sleeve shirts and long pants
Avoiding outdoor exposure to mosquitoes from dusk and the first few hours after dark
Minimise breeding sources on your property such as:
Stagnant fish ponds and swimming pools
Pot plants that hold water
Inside stems of certain plants
Containers like wheel barrows, wading pools, bird baths and tyres
Turn over small boats or cover with a tarp and ensure it does not collect water
Keep drains and gutters clean so water will drain
Deter mosquitoes by:
Ensuring fly screens are fitted and well maintained on doors and windows
Aerate ornamental pools with a fountain or stock them with fish
Use yellow light bulbs for outdoor lighting during times of high mosquito numbers
Planting mosquito deterrent plants such as Catnip (Nepata cataria), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Basil, Lavender (Lavandula species), Marigolds, Oregano, Parsley or Thyme. The effectiveness of plants as a natural mosquito deterrent requires more scientific evidence and may vary between mosquito species.
For more information on how to minimise the impact of mosquitoes please view the documents below.
Mosquitoes do breed in rainwater tanks information sheet
1.44 MB
Prevent mosquitoes around your home flyer
1.74 MB
Ross River virus fact sheet
241.86 KB
Fight the Bite
Fight the Bite is an initiative of the Government of South Australia. In Western Australia, this program is sponsored by the WA Department of Health.
Please refer to the documents below for more information on how to Fight the Bite.
Fight the Bite at home
583.08 KB
Fight the Bite on holiday in Australia
590.00 KB
Fight the Bite and protect your pets from mosquito bites
1.78 MB
Ross River virus management guide
2.22 MB
For more information on mosquitoes, please contact the City's Health Services on 9394 5000 or via email at info@armadale.wa.gov.au.