One of the worst things about an Australian summer is mosquitos. This year’s rainswept summer is set to produce extra fertile breeding conditions as La Niña weather patterns have resulted in more rainfall and even floods in certain parts of the country.
If you’re one of those people who always seems to be getting bitten, it’s likely you’re about to face some problems.
An almost apocalyptic video from around a farm in flood-devastated New South Wales shows a thick drove of mosquitoes having taken over a porch.
How are mosquitoes harmful to us?
Mosquito-borne diseases such as the Ross River virus, Murray Valley encephalitis, malaria, and dengue fever, may be on the list of things to watch-out-for.
Ross River virus is one of the most common mosquito-borne diseases in Australia. According to Better Health Vic, the primary symptom is pain in the joints, which can last for 3–6 months. There is currently no known cure for the disease, but there are ways to relieve the symptoms.
You can read more about common mosquito-borne diseases on HealthDirect’s website.
How can we beat the bite?
Besides the usual suspects, water and warmth, mosquitoes also require blood. But only female mosquitoes bite, as they need the extra nutritional hit to help develop eggs. Mosquitoes don’t just bite people. They will bite a wide range of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.
Whatever you’re doing, wherever you’re going, there are ways to protect yourself and your whole family from these pesky mozzies.
Wear a loose-fitting long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and covered shoes when outdoors. You can even spray your clothing with insect-repellent sprays such as Aeroguard.
At Heathershaw’s, we stock Parakito’s mosquito wristbands and clips. They come with two refill pellets that are formulated with their proprietary essential oil formula. As the essential oils’ active ingredients are released into the air, they help to mask the human scents that would otherwise attract loitering mosquitoes. Each refill provides constant protection up to 15 days.
Please keep in mind that the rains may subside and the floods may pass quickly but the water logging is going to persist.
These stagnant pools of water are the breeding ground for mosquitoes. Those of us who do not want to end up nursing arms and legs full of itchy red mosquito bites must take appropriate precautions.