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Home & Garden Articles
Will Mosquitoes Breed In Home Rainwater Tanks?
Wed 06 Feb 2008 - 15:51
Will Mosquitoes Breed In Home Rainwater Tanks?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Bruce_Stafford]Bruce Stafford
In recent years, Australia has been facing some serious drought conditions, which have resulted in some serious restrictions in water usage. That's left many a gardener watching their gardens wither and dry up, causing much distraught among avid gardeners. As a result, they've turned to the installation of home rainwater tanks.
However, with the installation of these home rainwater tanks has been a growing concern about mosquitoes breeding. Those concerns are indeed justified. There is no question that rainwater collected from your roof can be a valuable resource, however rainwater tanks are becoming breeding rounds for mosquitoes which are not only extremely annoying, they also pose serious health risks. Dengue Fever is caused by the mosquito virus seen throughout North Queensland. Still others are responsible for the Ross River Fever.
The problem occurs when water tanks are poorly maintained. To prevent this from occurring the tank must be properly sealed and correctly plumbed. The tank should be sealed in a manner that prevents the sunlight from reaching the water which encourages the grown of algae which will taint your water. Holes, even the most minuscule will allow for mosquitoes, as well as other insects to enter your water tank. Stainless steel insect strainers attached to the top of the tank are essential, and all overflows should be covered with a strainer.
But why do the mosquitoes like to breed in home rainwater tanks? Mosquitoes, including the Dengue mosquitoes breed in any container that holds still water, such as buckets, tarps, plant bases, tin cans, dog water bowls, roof gutters, and yes rainwater tanks.
Rainwater tanks provide an excellent breeding ground for the Dengue mosquitoes if they have damage screens or screens that are missing, which allows the adult mosquitoes to gain access to the tank. This is the mosquito with the most serious concerns because of the dengue virus. However, there are other concerns with other mosquitoes as well.
In some areas of Australia, mosquitoes are considered a public health risk and if a person contributes to this risk, they can be fined. In Brisbane water tanks must be fitted with mosquito screens or flap valves on all openings and overflows. It is the homeowner's responsibility to keep water tank screens in good order and maintain a good quality water to prevent mosquito breeding. It is also the homeowner's responsibility to drain water tanks that are no longer used.
You can avoid mosquito concerns by having a purchasing water tanks rather than building home rainwater tanks, and by having it professionally installed by a plumber. Mosquitoes aren't the only concern. If a water tank is not designed correctly birds and small animals may gain entry leading to fecal contamination, and if the animals drown in the tank this will lead to high contamination levels, not to mention a host of other bacteria and toxins that could find their way into your rainwater supply.
It just makes good sense to buy a water tank from the experts who know how to build water tanks to keep your water supply free of contaminants. And they are so affordable, why would you want to waist your time building your own?
Save My Garden Water Tanks supplies discount slimline and round water tanks to residential households in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. All tanks are made from food grade Polyethylene and safely store water for drinking and your garden and pool. Each tank comes with a free holiday. http://www.savemygarden.com.au
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bruce_Stafford http://EzineArticles.com/?Will-Mosquitoes-Breed-In-Home-Rainwater-Tanks?&id=967099
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