Free mosquito repellent dispensers rolled out across Perth as mosquito season approaches

Free mosquito repellent dispensers are being rolled out across metropolitan Perth as West Australians are being urged to protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases ahead of peak season.

The State Government’s repel, prevent, protect initiative has expanded State-wide, and community organisations and local governments in Perth’s high-risk areas now eligible to apply for free repellent dispensers.

The program follows the installation of repellent stations across regional WA, with distribution prioritised in areas experiencing significant mosquito activity.

In Perth and the South West, mosquito activity usually peaks between September and March, while the Kimberley and Pilbara experience it during the wet season between January and May.

Areas around stagnant water, wetlands and marshlands, including parts of the Swan River, can be hotspots for mosquitoes and sandflies.

The lockable dispensers are available across high-risk Perth metropolitan local government areas, including the cities of Perth, Canning, Melville, South Perth, Subiaco, Bayswater, Belmont, Swan, Joondalup, Wanneroo, Kwinana, Cockburn and Armadale, the towns of Bassendean, Victoria Park, Nedlands, Claremont, Cottesloe, Mosman Park and Cambridge, and the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale.

Eligible organisations can apply for up to two free repellent dispensers, which are supplied with an initial stock of repellent.

Sporting clubs, community groups, outdoor cinemas and caravan parks are among those eligible to apply.

The Maylands Tennis Group is among those which have installed dispensers.

The dispensers, which hold a 500mL bottle of repellent, installation and ongoing maintenance are the responsibility of the organisation.

Preventative Health Minister Meredith Hammat said expanding access to free repellent would help communities reduce their risk of mosquito bites.

“The only way to avoid contracting mosquito-borne diseases is to avoid getting bitten,” she said.

“Expanding this program to the metropolitan area ensures more communities have access to practical prevention measures where they are really needed.

“This is about making it easier for people to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites and therefore reducing disease risk, particularly in outdoor community places.”