A mystery bug seems to be plaguing some areas of the town, with the small black insects almost blanketing walls and windows in some areas.
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Many of the complaints have been coming from south east Deniliquin, with homes and businesses impacted.
Similar bugs have since moved into the CBD area since yesterday.
So we have to ask, what will be next?
Annoyingly but understandable the mozzies took over the district while the river was running high and fast and the rains continued across the region.
That same water brought with it a frog problem in some areas.
There’s also been a significant increase in spiders and blowflies, and locusts started hatching in the Deniliquin area last month (see page 19).
We know creepy crawlies and other animals come with the territory in Australia, and particularly in the country, but surely we deserve a bit of a break.
Another mozzie virus detected
Speaking of mozzies.
Japanese encephalitis has been in the news for months, and now NSW HEalth has issues a warning about Murray Valley encephalitis - another disease spread by mozzies.
MVE has been detected in Menindee, prompting a state-wide warning.
MVE is spread by mozzies from infected animals to humans. It cannot be transmitted between humans.
In rare cases, MVA can cause severe neurological illness with headache, convulsions and reduced consciousness is some cases.
While certainly not in the same numbers we saw during the floods, mozzies are still very active in the area.
Murrumbidgee Local Health District says campers, and in fact anyone spending time outdoors this summer, should make sure to have repellent, tents with flyscreens or bed netting and wear loose, long, light-coloured clothing.
For more, go to health.nsw.gov.au/mosquitoes.
Protect your pooch’s paws
If you like a run or a gentle stroll with your pooch in tow or want to take them for a drive, there are warnings being echoed around the country as a reminder to keep pets safe during the hottest months.
If it’s uncomfortable for you to be outside for 30 minutes, the same is true for your pets.
To know for sure, test the pavement by placing the back of your hand on it for about seven seconds. If it’s too hot for you to hold your hand there, it’s too hot for your dog to walk on.
A dog's paw pads do not have a protective layer to withstand hot temperatures on their feet.
It is recommended walking your pet in the early morning or late evening when the temperatures are the coolest or in grassy, shaded areas.
If your dog does encounter burnt paw pads or peeling apply a wet wrap or cold water to support their paws and padding.
It’s also important to know the warning signs of heat stress or heat stroke.
Excessive panting or drooling, if their gums become dark-colored or they collapse, bring them into an air-conditioned home and offer them water.
If your dog experiences any of these signs you should immediately take them to a vet clinic.
Water is ‘safe to drink’
Local residents have been reporting discoloured water coming from their taps, sometimes with an odour.
While this has been occuring since the floods, which peaked in November and are still slowly receding, more locals have been taking to social media this past week with complaints.
While the look of the water may be concerning for some, Edward River Council is assuring the community the town water supply is safe to drink.
Water supplied by Edward River Council must meet the Australian Water guidelines and the requirements of NSW Health and is tested daily.
Still affected by the increased river heights in some areas, ERC is working to improve the quality and has commenced targeted flushing.
ERC asks that residents who are experiencing issues to firstly run their tap for a minimum of five minutes. If it does not run clear after this time, contact council on 5898 3000, through private message to its Facebook page, or email council@edwardriver.nsw.gov.au.
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