WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao’s Ministry of Health, Environment and Nature (GMN) has issued instructions on the proper use of pesticides being distributed to combat mosquito larvae, rats and mice, stressing that the products must be handled safely and responsibly.
The Vector Control Unit of the Technical Hygiene Service (THZ-GMN) said the guidelines are intended to prevent unnecessary pesticide use while ensuring that the products are applied correctly and do not pose avoidable risks to people, pets or the environment.
Residents receiving mosquito-larvae treatment will each receive one small packet. According to the instructions, one packet contains enough product to treat approximately ten barrels of water.
Only one small spoonful should be placed in each barrel. Authorities emphasize that this amount is sufficient to kill mosquito larvae and that residents should not use more than necessary.
Water barrels should also be inspected regularly. If mosquito larvae are detected again, the treatment can be repeated after 14 days.
Residents are advised to empty barrels that are not being used and place them upside down to prevent rainwater from accumulating and creating potential mosquito breeding sites.
Separate instructions apply to poison intended to control rats and mice. Each person will receive a packet containing four poison blocks. The blocks should be used whole and should not be broken or divided into smaller pieces.
THZ-GMN advises residents to place the blocks inside a bait station or another enclosed and secure location that can be reached only by rats or mice.
Special precautions should be taken to ensure that children, cats, dogs and other animals cannot reach the poison. The blocks should never be left exposed on the ground, outdoors in an unsecured location, or anywhere they are clearly visible and accessible.
Residents are also being urged to carefully read the instructions included with the products before using them.
The Vector Control Unit said responsible pesticide use is important not only for controlling mosquitoes and rodents but also for protecting public health and the environment.