This spring’s flooding and storms have created many issues, including boosting the breeding conditions for those pesky mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are not only annoying, but they can also cause illness, so it is a good idea to do what you can to reduce their breeding potential.
The South Australian Government is urging you to Fight the Bite, with a fact sheet that provides the following information:
Mosquito numbers can increase after floods and storms as standing water from heavy rainfall provides perfect conditions for breeding.
Increased numbers of mosquitoes leads to an increased risk of bites and of contracting mosquito-borne diseases. You can protect yourself and your family by taking the following actions in and around your house:
Remove any pools of water around your house and yard – this may involve clearing debris from ditches, cutting small channels to help pooling water drain, or filling in holes and vehicle wheel ruts;
Clean up flood or storm debris on your property, which may be half-buried but can contain enough water to provide a mosquito haven;
Empty then cover or puncture containers and other items or equipment that hold or collect water;
Increase water movement in areas such as drains, dams and creeks by removing excess vegetation;
Appropriately dispose of rubbish that holds or collects water;
Rain or floodwater may have collected in containers around your yard, so ensure you empty and store them in a dry place or throw them away;
Common mosquito breeding sites include: cans, bottles and plastic containers, boats and trailers, roof gutters, particularly if blocked by debris. Rainwater tanks and septic tanks can also be potential breeding sites for mosquitoes;You can reduce the risk by:
Checking valves on rainwater tanks (particularly in-ground tanks) by ensuring the valves are still in place and by making any necessary repairs;
Ensuring rainwater and septic tank openings, wells or other large water containers are covered with wire mesh no coarser than 1mm.
As a last resort, rainwater tanks can be treated by adding a small amount of liquid paraffin or domestic kerosene. Do not apply kerosene if water levels are low. Add 5ml of kerosene (or 1 teaspoon) for a 1kl tank and up to 15ml or 3 teaspoons for a 10kl tank.
When using paraffin, double the dose.