Malaysia is one of the most beautiful tropical places in the world with its lush greenery beautiful sandy beaches and cosmopolitan lifestyle. Its consistent warm although humid temperature throughout the year not only draws millions of tourists annually it also unfortunately, provides one of the most conducive environments for mosquitoes to breed in any location with stagnant water. Indoor and out.
While mosquitoes are barely visible, the diseases it spreads have great impact on society. Mosquito-borne diseases are some of the most dangerous. Female mosquitoes transmit bacteria, parasites and viruses through their bites giving rise to diseases that commonly include:
- Malaria
- Chikungunya
- Yellow fever
- Zika fever
- Encephalitis
- Dengue – the most prevalent in Malaysia
Fogging
Dengue is regarded as one of the most eminent mosquito-borne viral disease by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and is an ongoing epidemic in Malaysia, so prevention and control is key to reducing the mosquito population especially during the monsoon months. Fogging is one of the simplest and effective ways to kill mosquitoes quickly across a large area outdoors, whilst ULV fogging (or commonly known as misting) is recommended for indoor homes and offices.
The aim of fogging is to kill any adult mosquitoes that may be carrying the dengue virus before it can bite and transmit it to another person. The insecticides used in fogging are all approved by the Pesticides Board of Malaysia. By mixing a fogging solution with the insecticide and blasting it out creates the fog or mist, which contain droplets of this mixture that hang in the air long enough to kill adult mosquitoes in the area.
The best times to fog are when the mosquitoes are most active, looking to feed, which is usually in the early evenings between 4.30-6.30pm and early mornings between 5.30-7.30am. This will ensure a higher kill rate, as the mosquitoes will most likely come into contact with the insecticide fog.
Advantages of fogging
- Eliminates 90% of adult mosquitoes
- Improves employee concentration – no mosquito distraction or irritation to slow down efficiency
- Safeguards workplace – mosquito-free environment reduces agitations and interruptions especially when running heavy equipment
- Improves relationship connection – clients, consumers or suppliers will be more likely to spend more time in an office, factory or place of business that is mosquito-free thereby more conducive for business deals
What else can we do?
When used correctly, fogging provides immediate mosquito relief of adult mosquitoes. However, this is not a stand-alone solution. To prevent and control the mosquito population, further actions need to be in place. This includes:
Prevent mosquito-breeding grounds:
- Modify and manage your environment – so that mosquitoes do not have access to egg-laying habitats
- Dispose of solid waste properly and remove any water-holding containers or areas
- Check on water storage areas and containers on a weekly basis – empty and clean
- Be sure to add insecticides to water storage containers indoors and outdoor
Protect yourself from mosquito bites:
- At home, work or school – use window screens, repellents, coils and vaporisers. This is helpful as mosquitoes are around all the time
- Minimises skin exposure to mosquitoes – wear long sleeves and long pants
Gotong-royong:
- Work with your community regularly keep the neighbourhood clean
- Inform the local council if you sense a rise in mosquitoes in your neighbourhood and request a fogging session
What about the mosquitoes that escape the fogging?
These remnant mosquitoes still need to be eliminated or they will then continue to reproduce and multiply again. This cycle needs to be stopped. One convenient, environmental-friendly way to control the lifecycle of mosquitoes is to draw the female mosquitoes into a “Home”. This is essentially a trap with a special solution that has a unique 3-step mode of action.
- Lures female mosquitoes into the “Home” to lay their eggs and kills the mosquitoes after that.
- Blocks the food supply so 99.99% of eggs do not develop into larva.
- If any larvae survive, the special solution has an active ingredient that disturbs the growth development and ensures it cannot reach the adult mosquito stage.
As the impact of dengue can often be fatal, it is critical that we all work together to prevent, control and eliminate the Aedes mosquito and its breeding grounds swiftly and effectively. We should all strive to do our parts at home and at our workplaces.
Should you have any enquiries or require any information regarding our fogging or pest control services and support, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. Please feel free to contact us at 03-7773 0300 or enquire@maclean.com.my.
References:
1. https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/10/14/dr-noor-hisham-dengue-cases-increase-in-40th-epidemiological-week
2. https://www.who.int/westernpacific/about/how-we-work/pacific-support/news/detail/05-05-2014-mosquito-fogging-will-not-harm-you-reminds-who-and-solomon-islands-ministry-of-health#:~:text=The%20insecticide%20used%20in%20the,droplets%20through%20the%20fogging%20machine