On the Sunshine Coast, it is warm most of the year.
Unfortunately, the warmer weather also brings the return of mosquitoes and other nasty biting insects.
And while mozzies and their bites are largely a nuisance, they also have the potential to pass on diseases to people, with the most common mosquito-borne disease on the Sunshine Coast being Ross River fever.
The Ross River virus is spread by mosquitoes from infected animals or humans.
Symptoms can last for 40 weeks and include fever chills, muscle aches, rashes, fatigue, aching tendons, swollen lymph nodes, headaches and extreme joint pain.
According to the Sunshine Coast Regional Council, high levels of mosquitoes on the Coast are typically recorded in December to April each year (with increase nuisance levels peaking in January, February & March). See graph below:
Apparently, this reflects the increased abundance of saltmarsh mosquitoes (Aedes vigilax) through summer and the increasing populations of freshwater breeding mosquitoes that proliferate in temporary pooling water such as flooded fields and bushland areas along watercourses during the late summer/autumn wet season. The cooler months from June to September typically have very low to no mosquitoes.
One of the best ways to avoid getting bitten is to ensure that mosquitoes have limited opportunities to breed around the home. Here’s some simple steps to follow:
- Remove containers/vessels of stagnant waterie: pot plant bases or containers where water has pooled
- Check playground equipment, old tyres, rainwater tanks and tarps for pooled water
- Regularly remove leaves and debris from gutters to prevent ponding of water
- Remove palm fronds/other green waste from around the yard
Other ways to protect yourself include:
- Avoid or reduce exposure in outdoor areas at dawn and dusk during peak times
- Wear appropriate clothing ie: long sleeved loose clothing to cover up exposed skin
- Use insect repellents when outside
- Use mosquito coils or plug-in insecticide devices indoors
As well as implementing the above strategies to not get bitten, it’s also a good idea to take steps to keep mozzies and other insects out of your home.
The best way to do this (but ensure the lovely breeze comes in and your views are maintained), is to install screen doors and windows.
North Coast Blinds & Security manufacture and install a range of insect and safety screens and doors,plus Crimsafe screens & doors, all at competitive prices.
Crimsafe products not only keep out the pesky insects, they are also the strongest security screens on the market and consistently exceed all Australian Standards for security doors and windows.
Allsecurity and insect screens and doors are manufactured onsite in our Kunda Park factory and are custom-made to suit the dimensions of your home.
Call us today for a free measure and quote around the home and make sure you and your family are better protected against mozzies this Summer! Ph: 5456 2199