Uninvited biting guests over the summer season

December 19, 2018

Uninvited biting guests over the summer season

As the warm, humid summer season quickly approaches, Northlanders may be visited by the ever- annoying mosquito while gathering around the BBQ.

To ensure these pests aren’t invited, you can take simple precautions to prevent them from setting up residence in your backyard: • Empty all tins, jars, bottles, buckets, plastic bags and other containers that can hold water.

Safely overturn anything you have outside that could hold water • Dispose of all old tyres, and drill holes in the bottom of tyre swings • Fill or drain hollows in the ground that could hold water • Cover venting pipes on septic tanks with mosquito-proof covers • Seal or cover rainwater tanks • Keep swimming pools chlorinated, and pumps maintained.

• Empty and clean pot plant saucers and drip trays • Empty and clean animal and pet drinking water containers • Check gutters and drains are clear of standing-water and blockages. Clean them out if they hold standing water • Some pot plants such as bromeliads, hold water in their leaves – empty the water out at least once a week.

Adapted from Source: https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/healthy-living/environmental-health/pests- and-insects/mosquitoes/stop-mosquitoes-breeding You can fight the bite, day and night. You can take precautions to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes: • Cover up – wear long, loose fitting, light coloured clothing, mosquitoes are attracted to darker clothing • Use a repellent, preferably containing less than 35 percent diethyltoluamide (DEET). Always read and follow the instructions. Apply repellent after sunscreen • Use air conditioning or fans when indoors • Insert screens on windows and doors • Stay away from areas where mosquitoes are most active or breeding, such as stagnant water • Use zip up screens on tents.

MR - Uninvited biting guests over the summer season | 18/12/18 | Page 2 of 2 Throughout the year the Northland District Health Board Public Health Unit undertakes a mosquito surveillance program covering all of Northland.

This involves monitoring larval and adult mosquito traps which are set up at strategic positions at ports, airports and around the marine environment adjoining international boat movements, for example, at Marsden Cove Marina, Marsden Point refinery and logport, Opua Marina and Whangarei harbour.

If you encounter unusual mosquito biting activity please contact the on call Health Protection Officer on 09-430 4100.

ENDS

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