Water puddles a cause for concern

Stagnant water and organic debris gives a run-down look and provides a potential breeding ground for mosquito development and can inadvertently increase the size of mosquito populations. Mosquitoes are the primary carriers of dangerous diseases like malaria and dengue to name a few.

Water that has been standing for a period greater than 72 hours is of prime concern since this is the estimated minimum development time for certain mosquitoes. An adult female mosquito lays eggs in clusters on the water surface and the eggs develop into larvae that feed on the organic debris.

The rest of the development stage is variable depending on temperature with less time required in hot summer months.

A small lapse like this one (pictured) on Al Muteena street in the Deira area, Dubai, tarnishes its image and corrective measures should be taken because isn’t it correct to say that, “prevention is better than cure”?

The reader is a sales manager based in Dubai.

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