A recent neap tide and a full moon will launch a week-long plague of bloodthirsty biting midges across the north coast of the Territory.
The coming plague has prompted the Department of Health and Families (DHF) to urge Territorians to avoid problem areas and take self-protection measures during next week.
DHF Centre for Disease Control senior medical entomologist Peter Whelan said the mangrove biting midge would be a nuisance within 1.5 kilometres of large areas of mangroves around the NT coast including:
- Sadgrove Creek, Reichardt Creek, Hudson Creek, Elizabeth River and Buffalo Creek.
- Lower reaches of Rapid Creek and Ludmilla Creek.
- Border areas of Palmerston suburbs Durack, Driver, Moulden, Archer, Bellamack.
- Palmerston rural residential areas.
Mr Whelan said female biting midges will be very active three days either side of the full moon on October 15 as they emerge from the mangroves looking for blood.
"Female midges must take a blood meal for their eggs to mature and it is the saliva injected which causes the pain and reactions. The discomfort midges cause is not from them urinating on people as it is sometimes believed.
"The bite area can be extremely itchy in some people - particularly newcomers to the NT. Scratching that breaks the skin and allows bacterial infections which can lead to unsightly sores.
"Mild reactions from bites can require soothing lotions. Ice packs can be intermittently applied to the bite site if the reaction is stronger but more sever reactions may require medical advice.
"The best approach is to avoid the breeding and infestation areas during the hours around sunrise and sunset.
"If near infestation areas, it is wise to cover up with long sleeve shirts, long trousers, socks and shoes, and apply repellents that contain picaridin or diethyl toluamide (DEET) to any exposed skin," said Mr Whelan.
A calendar showing expected biting midge periods for the rest of the year is available online at...
http://www.health.nt.gov.au/Medical_Entomology/Insect_Pest_Periods/index.aspx
Media inquiries: Cameron Jackson, Media Liaison Officer 0401 116 144
Release date: 14 October 2008
