Mosquito numbers rise

Broome residents are being warned to guard against mosquitoes after recent heavy rainfall.

Shire of Broome environmental health co-ordinator Chantal Spittle said wet weather over the past few weeks had created potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

"Mosquitoes breed in stagnant, pooling water, and recent early rain has increased the risk posed by mosquito-borne diseases," she said.

"Mosquitoes have a two-week breeding cycle which means they will now be hatching following the recent rain."

Ms Spittle advised the community to take the usual precautions such as using insect repellent when outdoors, covering up with loose clothing and avoiding outdoor exposure, especially at dawn and dusk.

She said other ways to help reduce mosquito numbers included emptying buckets and water containers regularly and cleaning and maintaining household swimming pools with chlorine.

"We encourage the community to do its part by removing any pooled water from their properties to prevent mosquitoes breeding," she said.