Increase in mosquitoes in uMgeni Park
uMgeni Estuary Conservancy member, Margaret Burger, said she too had noticed an increase in the number of mosquitoes in the area.
RESIDENTS of uMgeni Park and Briardene said they have noticed an increase in mosquitoes in their homes over the last two months.
According to some residents, the mosquitoes are larger and more relentless in what has been described as an ‘infestation’ in the area.
One resident who spoke to Northglen News on condition they would remain anonymous said that despite repellents and sprays, the mosquitoes in the area had relented.
“Most residents who live closer to the uMngeni River’s edge seem to be experiencing this infestation. In the past I’ve seen mosquitoes but I’ve been bewildered at the increasing number and the discomfort with being bitten in the last few weeks. I’m not sure what is contributing to their large numbers but these summer nights are becoming increasingly unbearable,” the resident said.
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uMgeni Estuary Conservancy member, Margaret Burger, said she too had noticed an increase in the number of mosquitoes in the area.
“Because of my practical experience on invasion in the plant world and species in general, I can see how there is a process of shifting. Last year my domestic worker said the area where she lives in oThongathi (Tongaat) has a serious infestation which they struggled with and resembling what we are experiencing now in uMgeni Park.
“It could be down to climate change or temperature and it wouldn’t do any harm to report the matter to the health department to have them look at the area. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant, standing fresh water often times found around the home especially in plastic bottles, buckets, cans and other containers that hold stagnant water. My advice would be where possible empty any containers holding stagnant water to stop the potential breeding. We also need to plant more indigenous plants which attracts more insect eating species of birds, frogs and bats which could help fight the infestation. So broad system change is needed,” Burger said.
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