Tips to reduce mosquito breeding areas and the spread of dengue fever

March 18, 2009

Download Media Release (PDF, 328KB)

Dengue fever is on the rise and there is a chance it may spread further south. A recent survey conducted by Queensland Health highlighted the fact that more than one third of Cairns residents still wrongly believe dengue mosquitoes breed in swamps or rivers. Dengue mosquitoes breed around homes and Queensland Company Gutter-Vac, are providing some tips on how to reduce the possibility of homes becoming mosquito breeding grounds.

Dengue fever is affecting Cairns, Townsville and small clusters of cases also have been reported at Port Douglas, Yarrabah, Injinoo and Innisfail in North Queensland. The chief culprit is the mosquito called Aedes aegypti.

A Media Release put out by Queensland Health on March 12, stated that a Dengue survey conducted in Cairns reveals lack of awareness. Queensland Health Medical Entomologist Dr Scott Ritchie said it was worrying that a significant number of local residents still did not know enough about the mosquito and the disease. “Dengue mosquitoes only breed around homes, and not in rivers or swamps,” said Dr Ritchie.

Managing Director of Gutter-Vac Mr Warren Ballantyne says "Blocked gutters cause a build up of rotting sludge which is an ideal food source for mosquitoes and a perfect place for them to lay their eggs. The waste that blocks gutters is high in nutrients and creates a perfect ecosystem in which all manner of diseases have the opportunity to grow and flourish."

Mr Ballantyne also explains that not only is there the risk of homes harbouring breeding grounds in their gutters, homeowners also significantly increase the risk of both becoming infected and incurring general injury while attempting to clean gutters without proper safety equipment or protection.

Gutter-Vac prides itself on quality service achieving quantifiable results. Throughout Australia and in particular ‘Dengue-stricken’ North Queensland, Gutter-Vac have trained personnel who professionally vacuum clean gutters to remove all loose leaf debris, erosive mud and sludge from gutters , downpipes and rainwater tanks.

Gutter-Vac has developed its own safety equipment specifically for temporary roof work and it has been tested to meet all Australian standard requirements. Many serious injuries and deaths occur each year as a result of home owners and poorly trained contractors falling off roofs and ladders. All Gutter-Vac operators are trained in roof safety.
Queensland Health’s website states that the best control for mosquitoes is getting rid of mosquito breeding sites around the home. The advice and tips on how to manage Degue distributed to North Queensland residents lists cleaning gutters, down pipes and water tanks as a top priority. The motto for the Dengue outbreak is 'Stop the mosquito breeding and you can stop the disease'.

CONTACT:

Warren Ballantyne Managing Director of Gutter-Vac
Ph: 0402 595 197 E: warren@guttervac.com.au

MEDIA CONTACT:

Peta Ellis Red Carpet Projects Ph: 0738558852 E: peta@redcarpetprojects.com.au