Mosquitoes - they're back!
22/3-14 at 17.53 by: Jason Somerville-Kimlin
Due to the warmer temperatures and moisture of late, mosquitoes have been prevalant along the Queensland coastline, Central Highlands and Coalfields.
Facilities can mitigate the risk of a staff member catching a mosquito borne disease like Dengue Fever, Ross River virus or Barmah Forest virus by conducting frequent (weekly) inspections of:
- grounds;
- car parks;
- chemical holding areas;
- plant areas;
- storm water drains and sullage pits;
- outdoor spill containment units; and
- depressions or low areas within the facility.
During these weekly inspections, staff and or management are looking for stagnating water and mosquito breeding habitats. Once an area of concern has been discovered, it's important to eliminate the source by tipping out the stagnate water, filling in any depressions, and removing or storing any items which could harbor mosquito eggs, larvae (wrigglers) or pupa.
Whilst Queensland contains 200+ mosquito species, a typical life-cycle (from egg to adult) is completed in 7-10 days (depending on the ambient temperature) therefore, the abovementioned regime, vigilance and some mosquito repellant, can minimise the risk of a staff member, or others, contracting one of the mosquito borne diseases.
If you have any queries or concerns regarding mosquitoes, mosquito control chemicals or mosquito borne diseases, seek assistance from your local or state government department.