Mosquito Treatment Guide

About Mosquitoes

There are over 300 species of Mosquito in Australia however there are a few Mosquito species that can become a nuisance around the home, these include Ochlerotatus vigilax, Culex annulirostris, Aedes aegypti and Anopheles annulipes.

Mosquitoes are small winged insects with 6 legs, they have piercing and sucking mouthparts which make them an unpleasant guest around the home. Surprisingly the male Mosquito isn’t responsible for the itchy bites you receive at a family BBQ as the male Mosquito only feeds off nectar and plant fluids. It’s the female Mosquito that will look for a blood meal from an unsuspecting host as the protein is required to aid in egg development. Upon locating a suitable host the female Mosquito will pierce the skin using her mouthpart injecting fluid into the host to prevent their blood from clotting. Once receiving this blood meal, the Mosquito will develop her eggs and then look for a water source to deposit them into.

Once hatched, the Mosquito larvae continuously feed as they develop through four instars, taking up to 2 weeks. On the fourth instar the larvae will develop into a pupa, from this pupa the adult Mosquito will emerge.

Why are Mosquitoes a problem?

Mosquitoes can become quite a nuisance around the home predominantly due to their bite which causes the receiver to itch at the site. This can cause significant disruption to our everyday lives. Aside from disrupting social, recreational and occupational activities through their persistent biting Mosquitoes are responsible for the transmission of many diseases throughout the human and animal population. Mosquitoes are known to transmit serious diseases in Australia such as Dengue, Ross River Virus, Barmah Forest virus and on a few occasions Malaria.

Learn how to get rid of mosquitoes quickly by following this simple guide.

Inspecting for Mosquitoes 

Generally, you will know you have Mosquitoes without needing to inspect for them as most times they will find you to feed off your blood. Aside from adult mosquitoes you may also want to inspect for mosquito larvae so you are able to treat them before they grow into adults. To inspect for mosquito larvae focus on possible water sources within the yard these areas could include:

• Fish ponds
• Empty pot plants
• Bird baths
• Old buckets
• Pool covers
• Plant debris such as old palm fronds
• Unused pet water bowls
• Anything that can hold water within the yard

Pre-Treatment Measures

• Remove any possible water sources around your around home and garden for example: tyres in the yard, saucers under pot plants, plant debris that can hold water such as palm fronds.
• Screen windows and doors to prevent them from entering the home.
• Regularly clean roof gutters to prevent them from blocking.
• If you have a pond in the garden consider getting some goldfish for the pond as they will eat the mosquito larvae.

How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes 

Option 1. Residual Spray Mosquitoes can be difficult to treat, especially over large areas, like patios, homes and outdoor entertaining areas where mosquitoes can be a nuisance. By picking up on mosquito habits and using a residual insecticide on surface areas where they land can be a semi-permanent way to gain control.

Apply Webzone Termiticide and Insecticide at a rate of 5-10ml per 1 L water or 25-50mL per 5L water. Use higher rates when insect populations are high, and where longer residual and rapid control is required. Treat areas such as:

• patios
• gazebos
• poles
• structures like fences close to the immediate area you want control.

Lower rates are typically used as a follow up treatment. 

Option 2. Fog To treat 1000m2 of outdoor space, mix 28mL Pyrate Natural Insecticide into 252mL of carrier solution such as diesel in the fogger tank. Allow fogger to heat up, once heated pump fogger handle at regular intervals (every 3 seconds). Fog backyard/ outdoor area thoroughly.

Always read product label prior to use.