Use insect repellent on exposed skin,particularly when outdoors. Look for products that contain at least 30% DEET (diethyltoluamide)
Wear long sleeved, light coloured clothing, as mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours
Consider keeping windows and doors shut from dusk to dawn where possible to avoid mosquitoes entering your house
Use mosquito coils or plug-ins
A fan or gentle breeze may also help as mosquitoes do not like moving air
What should I do if I am bitten?
Try not to scratch the bite.
Mosquito bites do not usually need any treatment. However, if the itching is severe, your local chemist can advise on a range of products that may ease the symptoms.
On rare occasions a bite may become infected. If the bite becomes very red, sore, swollen or weepy, consult your GP
The Health Protection Agency report there is no evidence that mosquitoes currently transmit infectious diseases in this country.
I've caught a mosquito, what should I do?
Ellesmere Port & Neston Borough Council will send samples away to Mosquito Watch to be identified. This helps to determine which mosquitoes are causing the problem, and where they breed.
If you catch a mosquito, please place it in a crush-proof container (for example, a matchbox) and send it to:
Environmental Protection Unit Ellesmere Port & Neston Borough Council 4 Civic Way Ellesmere Port CH65 0BE
If you live in an affected area, here are a few things you can do to prevent mosquitoes and other biting insects in your garden. Mosquitoes and biting insects can breed in any area of standing water. To limit breeding in your garden:
Stock ponds with carp or goldfish, as they eat mosquito eggs and larvae.
Keep gutters and flat roofs clear of debris to prevent the collection of water.
Change water in bird baths and saucers under patio plants at least once a week.
Turn over dustbin lids, buckets, wheelbarrows, paddling pools and other containers that can collect and hold water, when not in use.
If you are collecting water (for example a rainwater butt), use a close-fitting lid to prevent mosquitoes entering and laying eggs in the water. Make surethat all gaps are sealed between the lid and pipe going into it.
Make sure drain covers are in place and not damaged.
