Mayor Andrew Willcox said the Aedes aegypti is one of many container breeding mosquitoes that live in and around human habitation.

“The adult female mosquito primarily targets humans and bites around the ankles, feet and elbows during the day,” Cr Willcox said.

“It prefers to rest in dark places like underneath elevated houses as well as inside the house in places likes wardrobes or under the kitchen table,” he said.

“This mosquito prefers to lay its eggs in artificial containers that include rainwater tanks, blocked gutters, drain sumps, old tyres, bird baths, boats, wells, pot plant bases and flower vases.”

Some things that can be done to prevent this species from breeding around our home include:

- Interior Residual Spraying: provides 90% effectiveness in reducing bites! Use an insect surface spray under and behind couches, fridges, tables, chairs, wardrobes etc
- Remove unused containers, such as old tyres and tins; - Screen openings on rainwater tanks;
- Cover openings on wells and septic tanks; - Clean out bird baths and pet water bowls every four days by wiping with a clean cloth and disposing the cloth into the bin;
- Fill pot plant bases with sand;- Ensure all water can drain from boats or store under cover; and
- Clean out gutters and drains around the house.

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