It's that time of the year again, and a water shortage crisis has once again struck Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon. This, of course, has sent many households scrambling to save water in buckets, pails, and huge plastic drums even. This is all well and good - just as long as we're aware of the possible health hazards caused by stagnant water and how its presence can make your property attractive to pests.
Stagnant or standing water may seem harmless at first glance, but if you have it around long enough, that's when it has the potential to become a breeding ground for pests. And from there, various kinds of infections and diseases are born.
1. Dengue
It's possible to contract this potentially life-threatening disease if certain types of mosquitoes have turned your domestic water supply into its breeding ground.
2. Leptospirosis
Rodents being the only vectors or carrier of leptospirosis is a misconception shared by many. In truth, however, other animals may be infected and in turn contaminate your water supply. Such animals include but are not limited to horses, cattle, and even your friendly neighborhood canine. Human-to-human transmission, albeit rare, is also possible.
3. Malaria
Similar to dengue, malaria outbreaks occur once certain types of insects start breeding in your water supply.
The presence of standing water also acts as a beacon for most types of pests and virtually invites them to live in your property.
1. Rats need to drink up to one ounce of water per day. It's why rats need to make their homes as close as possible to accessible water sources.
2. Cockroaches can live for months without food. But if you make water inaccessible, cockroaches are only able to live up to a week.
3. If it's not obvious enough, mosquitoes love to make love on standing water.
4. Having standing water around means there's always a chance that you won't notice it accidentally spilling, which can then attract to termites to your home if wooden floors or furniture remain wet for an extended period of time.
1. Rats need to drink up to one ounce of water per day. It's why rats need to make their homes as close as possible to accessible water sources.
2. Cockroaches can live for months without food. But if you make water inaccessible, cockroaches are only able to live up to a week.
3. If it's not obvious enough, mosquitoes love to make love on standing water.
4. Having standing water around means there's always a chance that you won't notice it accidentally spilling, which can then attract to termites to your home if wooden floors or furniture remain wet for an extended period of time.
With a climate like ours, having stored water in reserve at all times is never a bad thing. we'd even go as far as saying it's good foresight in action, just as long as you keep all these potential dangers in mind.