In the wake of widespread flooding and persistent wet and humid weather conditions in various parts of Australia, health authorities are sounding the alarm about the heightened risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
Let’s face it: it’s been a lousy year for mozzies as heavy (and not so heavy) rains have saturated parts of northern Queensland, along with areas in New South Wales, Victoria, and the Northern Territory. Some experts are even cautioning that mosquito populations may surge in the coming weeks.
Beyond their irritating stings, these tiny, winged parasites can act as carriers for severe diseases such as the Ross River virus, leading to symptoms such as fever, chills, and headaches. These health warnings highlight the need for proactive measures to deter mozzie propagating around our properties.
Here is a checklist to help minimise mosquito breeding grounds on your property:
- Keep the blood suckers at bay with screens. Maintaining the integrity of fly screens on windows, doors, vents, and chimneys is necessary. These screens should have a mesh no coarser than 12 x 12 meshes per 25mm (1.2mm) to thwart mosquitoes effectively.
- Don’t forget the Aerogard. Using insect sprays and repellents such as Aerogard and Bushman’s indoors and outdoors is highly recommended, with strict adherence to the product instructions. ‘Knockdown’ fly sprays can also be employed against visible mosquitoes within the home. In contrast, plug-in mosquito vaporisers or diffusers with repellent treatment pads are suitable for enclosed external areas such as verandas and decks.
- Limit mozzie breeding grounds. Stagnant water in yards and gardens, even in small quantities, provides an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. Vigilant yard maintenance involves removing potential water “reservoirs”, such as unused pots, containers, tyres and especially old wheelbarrows. Trailers, wheelbarrows, boats, tools, and children’s toys should be covered or overturned to prevent water pooling. Regular cleaning of gutters and drains, mending leaking taps, and changing water in pet bowls, bird baths, and vases are essential practices to hinder mosquito breeding.
- Don’t share the swimming pool with mosquitos. If possible, ensure swimming pools are well-maintained, chlorinated, or securely covered when not in use, which will keep the mozzies to a minimum.
By considering some of these tips, you can curb the potential mozzie surge around your property and the associated health risks they pose to you and your family.
Contact your local Raine & Horne agent for additional tips and ideas for keeping your home mozzie-free this summer.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-24/flooding-across-australia-prompts-mosquito-borne-disease-warning/103375730
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/mosquitoes-protect-your-home-checklist
