When floodwaters subside, new dangers arise.



That's why Warren Shire Council is telling mozzies to BUZZ OFF.

Council is installing mozzie zappers around the Shire and providing free mosquito repellent for residents to keep our community safe and help combat this pesky problem.

Now, we're asking you to take the steps to protect.

Screen Up. Cover Up. Spray Up.


Your best bet to protect yourself against mosquito borne diseases is to avoid getting bitten altogether. 

  • Wear loose, long-sleeved, light-coloured clothing and covered footwear and socks, as mosquitos can still bite through tight clothing. This is especially important at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. 
  • Apply an even layer of mosquito repellent to all areas of exposed skin. Choose repellents with picaridin, DEET or oil of lemon eucalyptus for maximum effectiveness. Don't forget to read the instructions reapplication information. 
  • Mosquito wristbands and patches and natural or homemade repellents are not recommended as they provide limited protection.
  • Try and avoid being outside whilst mosquitos are active, especially around areas like swamps and wetlands.


Recent heavy rain and significant flooding combined with warmer temperatures typical of the Western NSW climate make Warren Shire the ideal breeding ground for mosquitos.

In order to reduce the presence of mosquitos around your home or business, we recommend that residents:

  • Utilise fly screens to keep mosquitos (and bugs!) out of the house.
  • Keep windows and doors closed.
  • Remove items around your home that collect water, such as old tyres and empty pots.
  • Regularly flush out pot-plant bases.
  • Keep guttering clear.
  • Mow lawns regularly and clear vegetation areas of moist, tangled undergrowth.
  • Make sure openings of septic tanks and water tanks are covered and screened securely.


Most mosquito borne diseases in NSW don't have vaccinations, however, you can get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis (JEV).

A free JEV vaccination is available for people aged 2 months or older who live or routinely work in Warren LGA, and:

  • Regularly spend time outdoors placing them at risk of mosquito bites;
  • Are experiencing homelessness;
  • Are living in conditions with limited mosquito protection; or
  • Are engaging in outdoor flood recovery and clean up efforts.

The vaccine is safe for people aged 2 months and older and can take 2-4 weeks to become effective, so we encourage residents to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

To receive your free JEV vaccine, speak to your General Practitioner (GP), pharmacist or Aboriginal Medical Service. When booking your appointment, be sure to let them know it is for the JEV vaccine as it may require a few days' notice to order it in.

Find out more about protecting yourself from mosquitos by visiting the NSW Health website.