The Department of Health has also put out a reminder to both residents and travellers in the South West of Western Australia (including the Peel region), to take additional precautions to prevent mosquito bites over the coming months in a bid to fight the bite.

Beat the Buzz. Fight the Bite.

Festive season is almost upon us and for many of us in Perth, this means a summer packed with BBQ’s and trips down south. Here at SWS Group we want to help ensure our community stays safe this summer holidays by bringing awareness to mosquitoes and the viruses they can carry, such as the Ross River Virus (RRV), which has already been detected in the City of Cockburn, City of Rockingham and the Peel Region.

The Department of Health has also put out a reminder to both residents and travellers in the South West of Western Australia (including the Peel region), to take additional precautions to prevent mosquito bites over the coming months in a bid to fight the bite.

This warning follows an increase in the detection of RRV in mosquitoes collected from the South West. Spring and summer are the peak mosquito seasons and RRV infection in people in the South West.

Ross River Virus Symptoms

Symptoms can last anywhere from weeks to months, these can include:

• Painful or swollen joints
• Sore muscles
• Tendon pain
• Skin rash
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Nausea

There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for RRV. The only way to prevent infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

The City of Cockburn environmental health services manager said the onset of spring weather was a reminder that people should think about ways to guard against mosquito bites. (PerthNow Article) “The only way to prevent being infected with a mosquito-borne disease, such as Ross River virus, is to avoid being bitten in the first place.”

Remember the 3 D’s.

Drain. Dress. Defend.

Drain:

• Mosquitoes breed in even small pools of stagnant water, so be diligent about avoiding and clearing areas standing water outdoors. Regularly drain bird feeders (every 3-4 days), flower pot trays, drain pans, water bowls and make sure any outdoor water features are well maintained.

Dress:

• Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours, which absorb heat. Mosquitoes have highly sensitive heat sensors, and tend to be more attracted to those dressed in black or dark colours for this reason. So stick to light clothing this summer as they are less attractive for mosquitoes. Ideally wear light coloured, loose fitting long sleeves and long pants to fight the bite. Shoes and socks will give you added protection.

Defend:

• Use an approved insect repellent spray. In general, mosquito repellents work by interfering with the female mosquito’s ability to detect the environmental cues that she uses to find a host. (Fun fact: only female mosquitoes bite as they require blood to produce eggs. Male mosquitoes feed on flower nectar).

For more information on mosquitoes go to Pestpro's website: MOSQUITOES TREATMENT & CONTROL

If you need residential or commercial pest control and maintenance call us on (08) 9336 6944 , chat to one of our friendly staff members on our live chat or fill out the enquiry form found here.