Do all Australian mosquitoes bite?

Australia has more than 350 species of mosquitoes. However, only some mosquitoes bite people.

Mosquitoes are attracted to:

• the smell of your skin
• your body temperature
• the carbon dioxide you breathe out

Only female mosquitoes bite.

Some mosquitoes spread disease called mosquito-borne diseases. These are spread when the mosquito injects a small amount of saliva into you while feeding.

Most mosquitoes in Australia don’t carry germs that cause disease.

What are the symptoms of a mosquito bite?

Mosquito bites cause a red, swollen lump. This can appear anytime, from a few minutes to a few hours, after being bitten.

The lump then becomes itchy and may be painful.

Some people have an allergic reaction to mosquito bites, called ‘skeeter syndrome’. This can cause:

• large swelling around the bite
• blisters
• fever

Skeeter syndrome is caused by protein in the mosquito’s saliva.

Generally, your reaction to mosquito bites will decrease as you get older.

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor if you have ongoing symptoms after a mosquito bite.

When to seek urgent care

See your doctor urgently or go to the emergency department if you have:

• a rash
• fever or chills
• headache
• joint or muscle pains
• fatigue

These can be signs of mosquito-borne diseases, such as Ross River virus.

Mosquito-borne diseases are notifiable diseases. This means that any doctor who diagnoses a mosquito-borne disease needs to report the case to the local health authorities. They will take steps to prevent or control an outbreak.

How are mosquito bites treated?

Most mosquito bites can be managed at home.

Self-care at home

Wash the area with soap and water. Use an ice pack to reduce the itching and swelling.

Always wrap your ice pack in a towel or cloth before putting it on your skin.

Keep the ice pack in place for 15 minutes. If you’re still uncomfortable, apply another ice pack.

Medicines for a mosquito bite

Antihistamines can help to ease your itch. These are over-the-counter medicines that come as creams, tablets or liquid medicine. Make sure you follow the directions on the packet.

What are the complications of a mosquito bite?

Scratching a mosquito bite can cause an infection. Symptoms of an infection are:

• swelling
• pain
• redness

If you think you have an infected mosquito bite, get advice from a doctor or pharmacist.

Mosquito-borne diseases

Mosquito-borne diseases can cause symptoms, such as:

• fatigue
• fever
• headache
• joint or muscle pains
• rash

It can take up to 2 weeks for these symptoms to appear.

Some mosquito-borne diseases to be aware of in Australia are:

• Barmah Forest virus infection
• Dengue fever
• Japanese encephalitis
• Murray Valley encephalitis
• Ross River virus infection
• West Nile/Kunjin virus
• Buruli ulcer
• malaria (rare)

If you travel overseas, you may be at risk of mosquito-borne diseases, such as:

• chikungunya virus infection
• dengue fever
• malaria
• yellow fever
• Zika virus infection

Can mosquito bites be prevented?

The best way to lower your chance of a mozzie bite is to:

• cover up your skin
• use insect repellent

This will also lower your chance of getting a mosquito-borne disease.

Mosquito behaviour

Different species of mosquito are active at different times of the day. When travelling overseas, learn about the biting patterns of the local mosquitoes.

Avoid being outside at the times when mosquitoes are most active.

What should I wear?

If you spend time outside, try to wear:

• loose-fitting clothes with long sleeves and pants
• clothes that are light in colour
• socks and shoes

How should I use insect repellents to stop mosquito bites?

Use insect repellent on your exposed skin. The best repellents contain:

• DEET
• oil of lemon eucalyptus
• picaridin

Use mosquito repellents that are approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority. Approved mosquito repellents are safe to use when pregnant or breastfeeding.

Use a repellent after applying sunscreen. Do not apply insect repellent near:

• your eyes
• your mouth
• broken skin — open wounds, scratches or abrasions

An adult should apply insect repellent to children under 5 years of age. Repellent is not advised for babies under 3 months of age.

Protect your young baby with clothing that covers their arms, legs and feet. Use mosquito nets to cover their pram and cot.

How can I stop mosquitoes getting inside my house?

Use insect screens to stop mosquitoes getting inside your house — make sure they do not have tears or holes.

If you don’t have insect screens, use mosquito nets to cover where you sleep.

You can kill mosquitoes with flying insect and surface sprays. You can also use insecticide sprays or vapour dispensing units in your home. Always follow the directions on the label.

What else can I do to stop mosquitoes living around my house?

You can lower the number of mosquitoes around your home by:

• mowing your lawns
• putting sand in the bottom of plant pots to stop water collecting
• emptying out any items that hold water, such as buckets and paddling pools
• keeping your roof gutters clear to stop pools of water
• ensuring rainwater tanks are sealed and inlet and outlet pipes are screened

How can I avoid mosquitoes outside?

When outside, you can use mosquito coils to keep mosquitoes away.

Use a mosquito-proof tent when camping.

Stay away from pools of stagnant (still) water. This is where mosquitoes lay their eggs.

Vaccines to prevent mosquito-borne diseases

Vaccination can help to protect you against yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis.

Even if you have been vaccinated, you still need to prevent mosquito bites.

If you're not sure if you should get vaccinated, you can ask your:

• doctor
• travel clinic

Resources and support

• Read the Queensland Health fact sheet on protecting yourself from mosquito bites.
• Visit the SA Health website Fight the Bite to learn more about mosquito bites.
• The Health Translations website has information in English and other languages on how to protect yourself from mosquito-borne disease.
• For more information on staying safe from mosquito bites while travelling, check the Smartraveller website.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.