Mosquito Control
Mosquitos can be a huge problem for premises that are located near water and while it’s certainly no fun being eaten alive by mosquitos, there are other very good reasons to take steps to eliminate or reduce the number of mosquitos in the vicinity of homes or business premises.
‘Mozzies’ are more than just a nuisance – mosquitos can carry a number of diseases including Ross River virus, Dengue fever, Malaria, Australian encephalitis and the Barmah Forest virus. Cases of Malaria diagnosed here tend to have been contracted outside Australia and in NSW we don’t have to worry too much about Dengue, Malaria or Australian encephalitis – but the Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses are certainly two we should be concerned about.
According to statistics from the NSW Health Department, the number of reported cases of Barmah Forest virus in NSW in 2010 was 264 but by early April 2011, 225 cases had been reported. For the majority of people who contract this virus, the symptoms subside within a few weeks however, some unfortunate individuals suffer from joint pain and fatigue for months after infection.
The Ross River virus isn’t a pleasant condition to suffer either, with many feeling symptoms similar to a severe case of the flu. NSW Health Department statistics show that1065 cases were reported during 2010. This virus isn’t fatal but there’s no specific treatment for it, although your GP may be able to prescribe medications that offer some relief from the symptoms.
You’ll find more information about mosquitos and disease on the Health Department website.
You may be able to employ a few simple mosquito control strategies yourself to minimise the number of mosquitos near your home or business or to reduce the risk of being bitten:
• Don’t forget the Aeroguard!
• Empty any stagnant water that has collected near your premises as mosquitos breed in these areas – this may include water in the base of pot plants, in other vessels left in the yard, or in blocked guttering.
• Use good old fashioned mosquito coils or similar products to keep the mozzies away from your outdoor area.
• Replace the water in pets’ drinking bowls at least every second day.
• If you have a disused fish pond, consider restocking it – fish eat mosquito eggs.
• If you don’t have them already, consider installing fly screens.
Of course, if you live close to a river, lake or an area where there is plenty of dampness and shade, controlling mosquitos isn’t so easy and it may be necessary to speak to a pest controller about other methods of mosquito control. In some areas councils bring in pest controllers to treat these areas, particularly when there is concern of a virus outbreak.
If you’d like to obtain a quote for professional mosquito control in or around the greater Sydney region, or to find out what treatments are available, call Bruce Gow on 0417 251 911.