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Mosquitoes are most active late in the evening and early mornings. They detect warm blooded creatures by the carbon dioxide inhaled through breath, and also by body temperature. They are also very sensitive to, and attracted by, ultraviolet light.
Depending upon species, female mosquitoes lay eggs in or near water following a blood meal. The male mosquitoes do not bite. Eggs usually hatch within 2-3 days, given ideal conditions, but can remain unhatched for long periods, awaiting rain or a rise in water level. Larvae from hatched eggs progress through four stages, followed by a pupal stage, and then adults emerge. The whole life cycle can take from eight to 17 days, but depends very much upon conditions and species involved. Adult mosquitoes live for up to about 10 days, and can range anything from 50 metres to 10 kilometres, depending on species and wind dispersal. |
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Ross River Virus (RRV)
has the potential to be carried by mosquito species in coastal areas, which can cause epidemic polyarthritis in humans. Ross River viral disease may go unrecognised, with symptoms such as mild fever or rash alone, or more significant flu-like illness for periods typically of one to four weeks, and sometimes longer. The disease is debilitating but not fatal. Local mosquitoes may however carry diseases such as heartworm (which affects dogs) and myxomatosis (affecting rabbits).
Dengue is another viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes and found in most tropical areas. The dengue virus may show no apparent symptoms but can cause illnesses ranging from a mild fever to a severe, even fatal condition, ie.dengue haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome . The symptoms may last up to a week and some people may experience a resurgence of fever and other symptoms that can last another 2-3 days. However symptoms are most commonly seen in adults and older children, young children may show minimal or no symptoms at all.
You should regularly check and empty anything that can hold water (eg bird baths, dishes under pot plants, disused tyres and containers). Roof guttering should be checked and cleaned out or re-set as required. Water in neglected swimming pools, spas or fish ponds can be treated with a little kerosene (although swimming pools are not good mosquito breeding sites). Septic tank vents and water tank openings must be screened, and fish ponds stocked with fish. |
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Outdoor living areas around homes, pool, gardens and
barbeque areas.
Also
suitable for indoor use.
Schools - Childcare Centres - Restaurants - Caravan
& Camp Sites - Resorts
Hobby and commercial farms
A must in areas of high mosquito populations. Helps
avoid mosquito-borne diseases. |
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