After Floods Come the Mozzies

The CSIRO reports that residents should be mindful of the fact that there is often an influx of mosquitoes after flood events.

Mosquito larvae develop in standing/stagnant water that has been standing for at least 7-10 days.

Along with this increase in mosquito numbers, there may be an increase in the risk of some mosquito-borne diseases such as Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus.

To protect yourself from mosquitoes (and the diseases that they transmit), wear long, loose protective clothing and to wear a personal repellent that contains DEET or picaridin at all times, even during the day.

It is also a good idea to:

• repair window screens as soon as possible
• clear gutters and other structures or debris that may hold water such as small containers like bird baths, pot plant saucers, plastic toys etc to reduce the number of mosquitoes breeding around your home
• check damaged water tanks that may be harbouring mosquitoes.

Pay particular attention to the screens and valves on your rainwater tank to ensure that they are intact, and repair if necessary. Drain any stagnant pools of water in your yard as soon as possible.

Use mosquito coils or zappers, which may also assist in removing mosquitoes.

• Topics:

• Health & Wellbeing
• Floods