Pest Plagues Hit Quake Ravaged Christchurch
Pest control manufacturing company Kiwicare is warning that the damage caused to Christchurch’s infrastructure has left
the city and its people vulnerable to plagues of pests. Rats and mice are able to take advantage of damaged sewers and
buildings. Flies, mosquitoes and midges find new breeding sites in stagnant and contaminated puddles. Ground dwelling
ants have been disturbed and have moved into homes and other buildings. Plus the normal pest operations that keep pests
under control have been disrupted.
As the weather cools in autumn it is normal that rats and mice seek shelter and food in buildings. This annual influx of
rodents is likely to be more serious this year, particularly in areas where damage to buildings and sewers provides them
with easy access. Kiwicare previously predicted a greater than usual problem with rodents this year. Warm and moist
weather across the country has provided near ideal breeding conditions with more available food than normal.
David Brittain, Technical Support Manager at Kiwicare, advises that now is the time to be proactive, and whether you are
in Christchurch or elsewhere in the country, it is the best time to place rodent bait in vulnerable places around
buildings. Weatherproof bait blocks should be used around the exterior of buildings and the blocks or bait and tracking
powder should be placed in attics, garages, and other places where rodents are likely to look for food and shelter. “The
trick is to intercept them before they have time to set up a nest in the building” David says.
The Kiwicare offices and factory are in Bromley, one of the hardest hit parts of Christchurch. David says “We have been
luckier than many. The strong building has meant that production was only disrupted for a week. But we are seeing at
first hand some of the pest issues that are likely to be a particular problem in the damaged areas of the city.
Disruption to the nearby sewerage settling ponds and the standing water formed in sink holes and liquefaction is
providing breeding sites for mosquitoes, midges and flies. These insects have been seen in and around the offices. The
midges, which can be mistaken for mosquitoes, are found covering the windows and walls. Although they don’t bite, not
having mouth parts, their large numbers can be an unpleasant nuisance.”
Rodents and flies are carriers of disease and increased number of these pests combined with the problems of sewerage
leaks makes for a serious risk to health.
Cooler weather is likely to help keep the insect pests reduced, but it will also encourage the rodent pests to move in,
so whichever way the temperature goes it is likely to cause increased pest problems for the already embattled people of
Christchurch.
You can help the city by making sure your property is not a breeding ground for pests.
To learn how to prevent rats, mice, mosquitoes, flies and midges plaguing you go to www.kiwicare.co.nz
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