When we think of Summer, we think of BBQ's, beaches and just enjoying the long days in the sun. But there are some disadvantages that come with the onset of warm weather that include the annoying blood sucking mosquitoes, slithery serpents and eight-legged critters. Stepping into the warmest months of the year, Australia is starting to see a concerning rise and increased activity from pests such as mosquitoes, snakes and spiders. With wet and humid weather and the La Niña, the perfect breeding ground has been created for mosquitoes this summer with many areas in Australia already experiencing huge infestations that may continue until April 2022, whilst the ongoing mice plague offers a plentiful food source for snakes and spiders.
Due to the extreme weather conditions, we have predicted an extraordinarily increase in mosquito numbers this summer. Below are some tips that can help you reduce numbers in your home and yard.
1. Tidy up the yard - Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, so check and empty any extra water around your property such as saucers under flower pots and stagnant ponds and keep pet bowls and birdbath water fresh.
2. Blow them away - Outdoor fans can be an effective deterrent as mosquitoes are weak flyers and cannot withstand strong breezes.
3. Repel mosquitoes naturally - There are many scented plants such as basil, 1lemon balm, peppermint, lavender, marigold, rosemary and eucalyptus that are said to deter these pesky insects. Plant them around your outdoor seating areas and reap their benefits.
4. Burn candles and coils - Citronella candles are a proven mosquito deterrent and offer a divine scent and add ambience to your outdoor entertaining space. You can also burn sandalwood sticks, which have a beautiful scent. Burning mosquito coils is another effective way to banish mozzies.
5. Block them out - Patio blinds are a great solution to help create a space to relax without the irritation of insects.Putting in fly screens in windows or screening in the patio would also help keep mosquitoes out.
6. Call in the professionals - If you’re still not happy with the number of mosquitos in your garden, it may be time to call in the professionals to help you with your problem.
Now we know how to protect our homes from mosquitoes, we need to ensure we know what to do in case of emergencies when it comes to snakes and spiders.
Australia has the most venomous snakes and spiders on the planet. Although snake and spider bites are rare, it is important to know how to deal with them quickly using first aid before proper treatment can be administered.
Snake season usually peaks in late December and January. The most important thing to know in a situation like this is how to perform the correct first aid. This can make a significant difference to treatment and outcomes. If someone is bitten you should:
Symptoms from a venomous bite can include nausea, vomiting and a headache, however, first aid should be applied regardless of whether these symptoms are present.
Most spider bites are harmless. However, if a person has been bitten by a big black spider or funnel web, it is a medical emergency. If someone is bitten you should:
A bite from a funnel-web can cause severe pain, sweating, vomiting, difficulty breathing and muscle twitching and a redback spider bite may result in pain and redness, but it is not considered life-threatening so does not require bandaging.
If you have or suspect a pest problem or would like to know more about protecting your home from summer pests, get in contact with Rentokil today.
Protecting Australian homes and businesses for over 50 years