PO Box 94
Derby WA 6728

Phone: (08) 9191 0999
Fax: (08) 9191 0998

sdwk@sdwk.wa.gov.au

Pests

Mosquitoes

There are almost 100 species of mosquitoes in Western Australia and many of them can be serious pests, interfering with leisure time and outdoor activities. Mosquito bites cause discomfort and pain, particularly to babies and others with sensitive skin. Only female mosquitoes bite. They need blood to be able to develop their eggs. While taking blood, infected mosquitoes can pass on disease-causing viruses and parasites. Exposure to large numbers of mosquitoes may increase the chance of being infected with a mosquito-borne disease.

Mosquitoes breed in standing water - such as may occur in old car tyres and other water-holding containers, pot plant drip trays, septic and water tanks, roof gutters, domestic ponds, etc. By eliminating or preventing access for mosquitoes to these breeding sites you can help to permanently reduce mosquito numbers in your backyard. During summer the life cycle from egg to flying adult mosquito takes 7-10 days. In colder months the life cycle may take several weeks.

Worldwide, mosquito-borne viruses and parasites are major causes of human and animal sickness and death. In WA the main mosquito-borne diseases of concern are:

Ross River virus disease

This is the most common mosquito-borne disease in WA. Symptoms include joint pains and swelling, sore muscles, rash, fever and fatigue and may persist for several months or even years in unlucky individuals. In epidemic years there may be hundreds of people affected in WA.

Barmah Forest virus disease

This disease is not as common, but has very similar symptoms to Ross River virus disease.

Murray Valley encephalitis

This is a rare but serious disease occurring mainly in the northern half of WA. In severe cases, brain damage, paralysis or death may result.

Dog heartworm

This disease of dogs is caused by a parasitic worm, which in large numbers can clog the heart and seriously affect the blood flow.

Two other diseases, malaria and dengue, have previously occurred in WA and could be reintroduced given the right conditions. In the case of malaria, travellers should protect themselves from mosquitoes while overseas and take malaria tablets. The mosquito which carries dengue virus is no longer in WA, but elimination of backyard breeding areas is important for ensuring it does not become re-established.

Documents

File Type File Size File Name File Description 128kb Mosquitoes in Your Backyard Department of Health brochure on understanding Mosquitos 85kb Ross River Virus Department of Health brochure on Ross River Virus. 77kb Murray Valley Encephalitis Department of Health brochure on Murray Valley Encephalitis.

Environmental Health

	Aboriginal Environmental Health
	Diseases
	Food Safety
	Onsite Effluent Disposal
	Pests