La Nina and Mosquitoes

By now, you probably know that La Nina means we can expect wetter weather. While the number of storms and tropical cyclones are predicted to rise, La Nina is not only linked to weather catastrophes. It is also linked to an overall increase in rainfall and moisture.

What does that mean for New Zealanders? Well, depending on exactly where you live, it can mean a lot or it can mean a little. However, it will have some impact on your life. One way that La Nina will impact New Zealanders across the country is through an increased number of mosquitoes.

New Zealand and Mosquitoes

Australia & New Zealand have over 300 different species of mosquito. Prolific breeders, mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. They breed rapidily, and their short 8 to 10 day life cycle means that you can have an explosion in the mosquito population within a short time after a single heavy rainstorm.

Mosquitoes and Disease

We all know mosquitoes are a nuisance. They buzz around, make unpleasant sounds, and leave you with itchy, swollen bites. For most New Zealanders’ that is all that they do, and while that may be annoying, it is not dangerous.

However, mosquitoes are more than harmless pests. They are a vector for deadly diseases. In fact, mosquitoes are the most well-known disease vector in the world.

How much disease do mosquitoes spread? Conservative estimates suggest that mosquito-spread illnesses are responsible for 1 million human deaths each year. In addition to spreading disease in humans, mosquitoes also spread disease in other animals, as well.

Globally, mosquitoes are responsible for spreading:

• Malaria
• Chikungunya
• Dengue
• Yellow Fever
• Encephalitis
• Zika Virus
• West Nile Virus

In New Zealanders, the Dengue virus and the Ross River virus are the biggest threats of mosquito-related disease. The Dengue virus is one of the most common mosquito-spread illnesses in the world. The symptoms can range from mild to severe. For those with a severe case, the symptoms can become life threatening within a few hours. The Ross River virus is not usually deadly, but can cause severe symptoms. It poses a risk to pregnant women because it is possible to pass the disease to the baby in utero.

Flick Has Solutions to Help with La Nina’s Mosquitoes

Feeling helpless at the thought of an increase in the mosquito population? Flick can help. We offer comprehensive pest control solutions, including outdoor solutions. Call Flick today – 0800 024 608
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