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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

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Dr Harry meets the wildlife workers caring for injured koalas

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  1. Home
  2. Better Life

How to leave out water for wildlife without attracting mozzies

In 3 simple steps. - by Olivia Hart
  • 13 Jan 2021
How to leave out water for wildlife without attracting mozzies

After last year's bushfires devastated vulnerable wildlife and left many injured and without a home, many people are looking for ways to help this summer. 

While the best thing we can do is open our backyards and leave water out for these thirsty animals, there are a few things to consider first.

Putting out containers of water can run the risk of attracting mosquitos looking for a place to potentially lay eggs. While mozzies typically search out wetlands, sometimes a simple bucket of water will do.

Health authorities generally warn against this risk to avoid people catching mosquito-borne diseases, however there are some simple tricks to keep the mozzies at bay and wildlife nice and hydrated.

mozzies in field

Empty containers weekly

As it turns out, mozzies need water access for up to a week, so you can prevent eggs from fully developing by regularly emptying containers. To save on water waste, keep the containers small and avoid self-watering planter boxes as stored water can become a home for mosquitoes.

buckets of water

Keep external water clean

A gutter clogged up with leaves and debris makes for the perfect home for mosquitos, as does a dirty swimming pool. Keeping these areas of water free from build-up will ensure there is no opportunity for mozzies to move in. For rainwater tanks, have them checked to ensure mozzies won’t find a way in.

koala in tree

Make your backyard wildlife-friendly

If your property has a backyard pond, then make it a habitable spot for wildlife like fish, frogs, spiders. These other animals will naturally keep mozzies at bay. Avoiding the use of insecticides will also ensure the safety of wildlife on your property.

If you’d like to avoid mozzie-bites then treating your clothes insecticides is an option, otherwise keep a bottle of insect repellent around. You’ll especially need it at dusk and dawn when mozzies are most active.

You may also like:

How to prepare for bushfire season

5 plants that naturally repel mosquitoes

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  • Better Life
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Olivia Hart

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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

Dr Harry meets the wildlife workers caring for injured koalas

Dr Harry meets the wildlife workers caring for injured koalas

8 of the best summer sheet sets for hot sleepers and sticky nights

8 of the best summer sheet sets for hot sleepers and sticky nights

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7 of the best beach towels

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10 of the best beach shelters to keep you sun safe this summer

{headline}

{headline}

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9 of the best ice cream machines to get you through summer

7 of the best portables pools

7 of the best portables pools

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7 of the best slip and slides for summer

{headline}

{headline}

10 of the best drink bottles to keep you cool this summer

10 of the best drink bottles to keep you cool this summer

Charlie Albone’s top tips for planting in summer

Charlie Albone’s top tips for planting in summer

 This is the $10 portable fan you can wear this summer

This is the $10 portable fan you can wear this summer

This is Australia's best holiday home for 2020

This is Australia's best holiday home for 2020

7 must-have buys from Big W’s new summer collection

7 must-have buys from Big W’s new summer collection

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How to have a holiday at home this summer

You can now buy a room spray that smell like the pub

You can now buy a room spray that smell like the pub

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