Wet Weather, Mosquitoes and Fly Screens

La Nina Means More Mosquitoes in Australia

The Bureau of Meteorology tells us Australia is experiencing a very rare weather occurrence, our third La Niña in row.   La Niña has brought heavy rain and caused serious flooding to parts of Australia and it looks like we are in store for a wet summer.  Forecasts of wet, warm summer weather means we will unfortunately, see an increase in mosquitoes.

We usually see these blood-sucking flying insects start to appear in spring, with the population numbers peaking during summer.

Mosquito Stings and Diseases

When a mosquito bites it causes an irritating small sting which may develop into a small red puffy lump on your skin.  The most annoying part of a regular mosquito bite is the itchiness and trying hard not to scratch the lump and cause an infection.

Some mosquitos carry diseases and when they bite, they may transmit the disease into your body, causing severe and even life-threatening illness.  In Australia, mosquitos are known carriers of Murray Valley encephalitis virus, Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus and Dengue virus.

Fly Screens Keep Out Mosquitoes

Maintaining fly screens on all windows, doors, vents and chimneys will help keep mosquitos out of your home.  A custom made fly screen that is professionally installed will ensure that there are no gaps around the fly screen frame where insects could enter.

Australian consumers also have the choice of a more durable mesh screen that will also act as a security door or window.  Stainless steel woven mesh security door screens will have hole apertures of between 1.4mm to 1.6mm, small enough to keep most mosquitoes out of homes.  Security doors or security screen windows that also serve as a fly screen door are a popular choice in Australia homes.

Retractable fly screen doors and windows can be used to fly screen large openings in the home to keep mozzies outside.  A wide retractable fly screen is perfect for screening wide bi-fold doors, sliding doors. French doors, garage doors, patio areas, as well as awning and casement windows.