Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes and sand flies bite us and suck our blood giving rise to itchy swollen lumps on our skin. There is little or no evidence that mosquitoes transmit disease in New Zealand as they do in other parts of the world. But they are annoying pests and cause considerable discomfort when we are enjoying New Zealand’s open air lifestyle.

Mosquitoes breed in still water. This can be as simple as a puddle that has remained for a few days. Adult mosquitoes are often most active at dusk and around areas of some shade.

Adult mosquitoes have long narrow bodies and wings held together above the abdomen when not in flight. Note: some other insects can be easily mistaken for mosquitoes, midges (Lake Flies) and Crane Flies among them.

The numbers of mosquitoes around your home can be controlled.

• Spray NO Bugs Super on surfaces around the areas where mosquitoes are causing problems, i.e. decks, walls, indoors and outdoors. NO Bugs Indoor can be used to control mosquitoes indoors.
• Also remove or treat any stagnant water around your garden.
• Use a repellent to keep biting insects away from your person and outdoor living areas.

Midges or lake flies are mosquito-like insects that breed in still or slow moving waters of lakes, settlement ponds and slow moving rivers. They do not bite, having no mouth parts, but can be a considerable nuisance pest when they emerge in huge numbers.

• See the Kiwicare Fly Control Calendar