The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

FOLLOWING a barrage of complaints from the public that their homes and workplaces are inundated with swarms of mosquitos following the heavy rains, Minister of Environment Kendred Dorsett said vector control efforts have already begun.

In a press statement, Mr Dorsett said: “I would like to assure all that the Department of Environmental Health Services’ (DEHS) vector control efforts (fogging) are ongoing and will continue as weather permits.”

“We have now begun the hurricane season for 2013 and have been experiencing a lot of rain in the past few weeks beginning with the torrential down pour resulting in the flooding of certain areas around New Providence. There has also been flooding report from some of the Family Islands.

Over the weekend, several callers contacted The Tribune to complain about a huge increase in the number of mosquitos.

“I have never seen it this bad in my life,” one said. “They are everywhere, and aggressive.

“We are all worried about dengue fever again, but you know, mosquitos carry several other diseases as well, so the government better not treat this like a joke.”

Yesterday, Mr Dorsett said: “While the DEHS is doing its endeavour best to continue its regular vector control exercises, the weather of late has not been co-operative.

“The chemicals used to control mosquitoes and other pests will not be effective unless weather conditions are conducive. This chemical is most effective when it makes contact with the pests and insects, therefore it should not be used during rain or in winds above ten miles per hour.”

The minister also gave tips for keeping mosquitoes under control.

He said: “In the wake of the large amount of rain that we have been experiencing, DEHS would like to give a few tips on how members of the public can control the breeding of mosquitoes and other pests in and around their homes.

“Keep water containers properly covered. Remove all car tires from your yards. Keep garbage bins tightly covered. Discard containers that can collect water around homes. Keep gutters free of leaves and twigs. Store bottles upside down or be sure that they are tightly covered.

“Persons should also use mosquito repellents and/or household sprays, coils and other products made for the ridding of pests if there is a problem. When spraying in the home, for best effect, be sure that the windows are closed and leave the room for 1o to 15 minutes before reentering. Also please ensure the all window screens and or screen doors are intact.”

Speaking to The Tribune, Melanie McKenzie, the Director of Environmental Health, said addressing mosquito threats is always a priority for the Department of Environmental Health, regardless of the weather situation.

“We address the mosquitoes everyday,” she said.

“Water is always present everywhere even when it doesn’t rain and mosquitoes are often laying eggs so we frequently address the problem.

“Normal activities taken to address the mosquito problem are therefore ongoing. Prior to the rainy season we always have a very active program to address it. We know that with the recent rainy weather there will be an emergence of mosquitoes so we have accelerated our treatment.

“We began our intensive fogging of the islands before the rain began but was halted from continuing the activity because of the rain. As soon as we get a clear day, we’ll continue doing the fogging process throughout the islands.”