Mosquito Education

• Male mosquitoes feed on plant nectar alone, while females extract the blood of hosts in order to develop and nourish eggs.
• She uses blood as a source of protein and as a source of energy to lay her eggs.
• Most mosquitoes lay their eggs directly into water. Others lay their eggs near bodies of water but not within them. Egg numbers ranging between 100- 400 eggs at a time. Eggs hatch within 72 hrs.  
• It only takes a very small amount of water to attract a female mosquito. Bowls, cups, fountains, tyres, plant containers, vases and any other container storing water makes for a great “nursery.”
• The larvae, depending on food, prevailing conditions and temperature, take 7-10 days to mature and from the pupal stage they turn into adult mozzies within 3 days.
• They then feed, mate and go on to produce eggs for the next generation.
• The mozzie’s life span, depending on the particular species, can range from 20 days to 5 years.

• Their favourite blood source tends to be active at dawn and dusk.
• They breed during spring and summer but can breed all year round if the climate and surrounds are ideal.
• Generally an increase in rainfall causes an increase in mozzie numbers.
• The female mozzie needs some water but breeding places vary with species.

• If you are bitten the mozzie bite may swell and look like a red ringed white bump.
• It can itch for days and if the bites become infected with bacteria a secondary infection can be initiated.
• When the mozzie uses a human for her meal she will probe your skin for a blood capillary then inject a small amount of saliva containing chemicals which prevent your blood from clotting. This is how potentially dangerous pathogens such as viruses enter your bloodstream.
• After sucking on your blood, she will find a resting place to digest her meal and develop eggs before flying off to find the necessary pool of water in which she deposits her eggs.

To protect against mosquitoes and reduce the risk of diseases they transmit:

• cover-up with a loose-fitting long sleeved shirts and long pants when outside.
• apply mosquito repellent that contains DEET to exposed skin. (DEET remains the gold standard of currently available insect repellents. It is a broad spectrum agent that is effective against mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, leeches and many biting insects). Avoid putting repellent near the eyes and mouth, or over open wounds, broken skin or abrasions. Always follow the product label instructions.
• take special care during peak mosquito biting hours, especially around dawn and dusk.
• when travelling to high-risk areas, especially overseas, it is recommended that you get expert medical advice before starting your trip.

• Remove potential mosquito breeding sites from around the home and screen windows and doors.  Empty, drain or cover all things that can and may hold water, repair or prevent outside leaks, maintain swimming pools with proper care, keep the rain gutters and drains clean.
• Use repellent or surface spray around furniture and curtains.
• A stiff breeze keeps the mozzies away so move your picnic or campsite to a windy spot.
• Remember that preventing the transmission of disease is through reducing the threat of bites!

• Mozzie bites can transmit several diseases. The diagnosis of mosquito-borne diseases can only be confirmed with appropriate blood tests.
• Mosquito vector (insect) borne diseases found in Australia are Ross River and Barmah Forest disease, Australian, Murry Valley and Kunjin encephalitis, Japanese Encephalitis, Dengue Fever and Malaria.
• Anyone seeking further advice on diseases or symptons should seek professional medical advice.

While the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) has entered Australia, the risk to human lives is very low and the prevention of mosquito bites is the best protection against JEV.

The Australian Government Department of Health recommends taking extra precautions around the times that mosquitoes would be most active at dusk, dawn and into the evening.

Reduce skin exposure by wearing light, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and covered footwear with socks.

Reduce the number of water holding containers around the home where possible as these are potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Apply insect repellent to all areas of exposed skin. The Department of Health highly recommend the use of insect repellents containing DEET (a key ingredient in RID® products) for the best protection.

RID® Outdoor Mosquito Coils can also be used to help keep mosquitoes at bay if you do find yourself outside during peak times.

For further information on JEV symptoms, prevention and immunisation, please refer to the below Australian Government Department of Health link:

Japanese encephalitis | Australian Government Department of Health

With plenty of global attention surrounding the Zika Virus, we thought it appropriate to remind you – prevention is always the best approach !

The RID difference has long lived in its Australian heritage, growing up with Australian’s since the mid 1950’s it was the familiar magenta pack, that was relied upon to repel biting insects and found in medicine cabinets everywhere.

Our enviable reputation of a quality product, well-respected brand in a highly competitive category is a great achievement that has evolved simply because ‘it works’.

RID® effectively controls and repels mosquitoes, flies and other insects by using a superior formula of the highest quality DEET combined with a fly repellent and healing medicinal ingredients containing antiseptic to prevent inflammation.

It has been RID®s’ underlying formula that gives the brand the innovative edge by offering before and after bite protection as well as a high quality repellent.

Today, RID® continues to care for and protect everyday people in their everyday needs. It’s Australian made and more importantly Australian owned.

Whether you’re off camping under the stars on a weekend getaway, taking the boat to out to wet a line, get out and do what you love doing.