You’re nodding off to sleep and there’s a whiney buzz in your ear akin to a miniature fighter pilot. And most likely sleep won’t come until you’ve tracked down and eradicated that pesky mosquito.

No one likes a mozzie bite, but they’re a typical of summer. And in some parts of the country, they can also spread serious illness.

For the sixth year running Council is participating in NSW Health’s annual mosquito surveillance program to trap mozzies critters at key locations across the Beaches to monitor numbers and identify any viruses they may be carrying.

The weekly monitoring program will start on 2 December 2024 and run until April 2025 at locations along Narrabeen Lagoon and Warriewood wetlands.

Fortunately over the last season there were no instances of viruses such as Ross River fever or Barmah Forest fever being detected on the Northern Beaches. But it always pays to remain vigilant and take precautions.

Protect yourself from being bitten by taking the following steps:

• Always wear long, loose-fitting clothing to minimise skin exposure.
• Choose and apply a repellent that contains either Diethyl Toluamide (DEET), Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE).
• Be aware mosquitos are most prevalent at dawn and dusk.
• Keep your yard free of standing water like containers, birdbaths, toys, and pot plant trays where mosquitos like to breed.

Visit NSW Health for more tips on how to control mosquitoes around your home.

For more information on what Council is doing to reduce the risk of mosquitoes view the Northern Beaches Council Mosquito Management Plan.