Wagga residents need to be ready to combat mosquitoes, which are expected to surge after the predicted days of heavy rain.
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Between now and next Wednesday, rainfall is expected to total up to 180 millimetres, which has put the SES on a flood watch.
With the temperature expected to remains in the 20s and 30s, there is concern the combination of warm weather and a lot of stagnant water will provide ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes.
Charles Sturt University entomologist Paul Weston said there would not be an immediate increase in the mosquito population after the rain, but within the weeks afterwards, numbers were likely to rise.
Dr Weston said Wagga residents could take precautions against being bitten.
“Avoid going out at dusk or dawn without protection,” he said. “But if you happen to be in a marshy shaded area, they will be flying around, even during the day.
“Using an insect repellant is always a good idea – either one which contains DEET (diethyltoluamide) or something that is more plant-based.
“People need to mindful of standing water around their homes, as this can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Bird baths, open containers water – these need to be emptied.”
Dr Weston said dressing to cover up – long sleeves and long trousers – was also a good mosquito deterrent if it was feasible.
“But if you can avoid being out at dusk, it would help avoid mosquitoes. As soon as the sun goes down, they tend to become more active,” he said.
Murrumbidgee Local Health District public health director Tracey Oakman also recommends covering up, using mosquito repellent and taking some precautions around the home.
Ms Oakman said mosquito numbers were currently low, but were expected to rise with both the arrival of hotter weather and the standing water leftover from the predicted rain.
“People should be starting to get ready for the season,” she said.
“Think about fly screens on windows and doors. Make sure their integrity is good: no splits in the screens.
“If you took the screens down over winter to clean the windows, put them back up.
“Use a mosquito repellent and, where possible, wear long sleeves and long trousers.”
Ms Oakman said public health testing had so far not shown any viruses in mosquitoes in the region, but in previous years Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses had been detected.
“People who get these are quite miserable. The symptoms can go on for some weeks, and can be quite debilitating,” she said.
