Top End residents are advised to take precautions against an expected increase in biting midge activity. From this Wednesday 2 September, the approach of the full moon will herald the start of a week-long plague of the tiny bloodsuckers across the Territory's north coast.
The impending pest problem 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 within 1.5 kilometres of large areas of coastal mangroves. Areas in Darwin that will see the most midge activity include:
· Sandgrove Creek, Reichardt Creek, Hudson Creek, Elizabeth River and Buffalo Creek
· within 500m of the lowest reaches of Rapid Creek and Ludmilla Creek
· mangrove border areas of Palmerston suburbs Durack, Driver, Moulden, Archer, Bellamack
· Palmerston rural residential areas close to mangroves.
Mr Whelan said female biting midges will be very active three days on either side of the full moon especially during the late dry, as they emerge from their mangrove breeding places looking for blood.
"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 lotion such as papaya ointment may provide relief. Ice packs can be applied to the bite site intermittently if the reaction is stronger, but a severe reaction may require medical attention.
"The best approach is to avoid breeding and infestation areas during the hours on either side of sunrise and sunset. Cover up with long sleeve shirts, long trousers, socks and shoes, and apply repellents that contain picaridin or diethyl toluamide (DEET)," added Mr Whelan.
A 2009 calendar detailing expected biting midge periods is available at: www.health.nt.gov.au/medical_entomology/index.aspx
Release date: 31 August 2009