A NEW mosquito management video will be launched by the City of Canning this month via its website to coincide with the start of Canning’s mosquito monitoring.
Mayor Paul Ng said as a riverfront local government, the city had a robust management program with primary monitoring between November and March.
“Around the start of spring each year, as the water levels start to decrease in the wetland, there tends to be an increase in midge activity,” Mr Ng said.
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READ NOW“Midges, which are often mistaken for mosquitoes, rarely bite and don’t transmit disease.
“Even during average mosquito seasons, there is a risk of Ross River Virus.
A Department of Health spokesperson said based on climate forecasts, the Department was expecting an average season for mosquito numbers and Ross River Virus numbers are also average for this time of year.
“However, it is important for people who spend time outdoors to be aware that Ross River virus is most active in the south-west of WA during spring and summer, and mindful that mosquitoes will start to increase as the weather warms up, and to be prepared.”
Residents should cover up, use repellents containing DEET or Picaridin, and empty water from containers around the home.
Visit healthywa.wa.gov.au/Fightthebite for more information.
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