Monday 26 July 2010
Top End residents are advised to take precautions against biting midge activity this week, coinciding with high tides related to the full moon on Monday 26 July 2010.Late July marks the commencement of the annual biting midge season, and tonight's full moon has prompted the Department of Health and Families (DHF) to urge Territorians to avoid problem areas and to protect themselves.
DHF Centre for Disease Control Senior Medical Entomologist Peter Whelan said biting midges may be a nuisance all around the NT coast within 1.5 kilometres of extensive areas of coastal mangroves containing small feeder creeks. Mangrove creeks and areas in Darwin and Palmerston that will see increased midge activity include:
- Sadgrove Creek, Reichardt Creek, Hudson Creek, Elizabeth River near Palmerston, and the mouth of Buffalo Creek (high midge activity)
- Palmerston rural residential areas within 1 km of harbour-fronting mangroves (high midge activity)
- Within 500m of the wider mangrove areas in lower areas of Rapid Creek and Ludmilla Creek (moderate midge activity)
- Suburban border areas of Palmerston suburbs Durack, Driver, Moulden, Archer, and Bellamack (moderate midge activity)
Mr Whelan said female biting midges are very active around full moon time, as they emerge from their mangrove breeding places.
"Female midges need a blood meal for their eggs to mature. The saliva they inject into their human hosts causes pain and swelling. The bite area can be extremely itchy-particularly for newcomers to the NT. Avoid scratching the bite area, which can break the skin and allow bacterial infections that can lead to unsightly sores.
"Soothing lotions may provide relief. Ice packs may be applied to the site of stronger bite reactions, but a severe reaction may require medical attention.
"The best approach is to avoid breeding and infestation areas during the few hours on either side of sunrise and sunset. If you experience biting problems or are in risk areas, cover up with long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, socks and shoes, and apply repellents that contain picaridin or diethyl toluamide (DEET), or use insecticide coils, lanterns, or barrier applications," added Mr Whelan.
Further information:
A 2010 calendar detailing expected biting midge periods is available at: http://www.health.nt.gov.au/library/scripts/objectifyMedia.aspx?file=pdf/44/56.pdf&siteID=1&str_title=Biting Midge Pest Calendar 2010.pdf
Media contact: Brooke Leung, 0421 610 455
