Mosquitoes
There are almost 100 species of Mosquitoes in Western Australia and many of them can be
serious pests, interfering with leisure time and outdoor activities. Mosquito bites cause discomfort and pain,
particularly to babies and others with sensitive skin.
Only female mosquitoes bite. They need blood to be able to develop their
eggs. While taking blood, infected
mosquitoes can pass on disease-causing viruses and parasites. Exposure to large numbers of mosquitoes may
increase the chance of being infected with a mosquito-borne disease.
Mosquitoes breed in STANDING WATER- such as may
occur in old car tires and other water holding containers, pot plant drip
trays, septic and water tanks, roof gutters, domestic ponds, etc. By eliminating these breeding sites
incorporated with pest management spraying you can help to permanently reduce
mosquito numbers in your back yard.
During summer the life cycle from egg to flying
adult mosquito takes 7-10 days. In
colder months the life cycle may take several weeks.
Stewarts Pest Control can apply a residual spray to
outside areas to reduce nuisance mosquitoes.
This in conduction with prevention of back yard breeding should rid
you off your mosquito problems this summer.
Disease
Worldwide, mosquito-borne viruses and parasites are
major causes of human and animal sickness and death. In WA the main mosquito-borne diseases of
concern are: -
Ross River Virus - Infected
people may develop a disease called Epidemic Polarthritis, commonly known as
Ross River Virus infection. Symptoms
may continue for several months or even years in unlucky individuals. In epidemic years there may be hundreds of
people affected in WA.
Barmah Forest Virus - This
virus appears to be a relatively recent introduction to WA and causes a
disease with very similar symptoms to Ross River Virus infection.
Australian Encephalitis - This is a rare but serious disease occurring in the
northern half of WA. In severe cases,
brain damage, paralysis or death may result.
Dog Heartworm - This disease of dogs is caused by a parasitic worm, which in large
numbers can clog the heart and seriously affect the blood flow.
Two other diseases, malaria and dengue fever, have
previously occurred in WA and could be reintroduced given the right
conditions. In the case of malaria,
travelers should protect themselves from mosquitoes while overseas and take
malaria tablets. The mosquito, which
carries dengue virus, is no longer in WA, and is less likely to be
reintroduced with the elimination of backyard breeding areas.
For comfort and piece of mind this summer, Stewarts
Pest Control can apply a low toxic residual around the outside of your
property. This will help keep the
Mosquito numbers down this summer.
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