The upscale neighborhood of Runda was not spared either. Its proximity to the Ruaka River and high concrete walls made it particularly vulnerable to flooding. The stagnant waters became breeding grounds for swarms of mosquitoes too. In contrast, the neighboring affluent area of Karen Area was spared and remained dry and mosquito free even as Runda suffered greatly.

In Runda, the Ruaka river which is crucial for the area, overflowed its banks and thus filling homes and streets. The encroachment on Riparian land, and unauthorized construction near the river reduced its capacity to handle heavy rainfall and its effectiveness of any natural flood mitigation measures. Homes built too close to the river blocked natural water flow paths, leading to severe flooding.

Karen in contrast, located on higher ground and having a more favorable topography and efficient drainage systems designed to channel water away from residential areas, prevented the flooding. However, in some parts of Karen though, with the houses having high concrete walls structured, the water collected and pooled around making it a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Another factor that contributed to the flooding was Runda’s rapid urbanization which led to reduced natural land cover, increasing surface runoff and the risk of flooding during heavy rains. The area’s growth is outpacing its infrastructure, lost green spaces and natural buffers, leaving it ill-prepared to deal with heavy rains. Karen on the other hand, has green spaces with less walls and urban planning that includes well-designed drainage systems that absorb excess rainwater and allows free flow of water.

In conclusion, the flooding and mosquito infestations in Runda highlighted a critical need for strategic urban planning, strict enforcement of land regulations and investment in robust infrastructure that can withstand unforeseen natural disasters like flooding and as a preventive measure. The contrasting experiences between Runda and Karen provided valuable lessons. Learning from these events, its crucial for policymakers, urban planners and the community to work together to implement sustainable solutions. This proactive approach will help mitigate the risk of floods and disease outbreak and enhance overall quality of life for residents.

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MOSQUITO CONTROL

Are Mosquitos Pests?

Yes!

Mosquitoes are a bother and huge menace when they swarm in large numbers and when they bite causing itchiness and discomfort to the extent of sometimes causing lack of proper sleep. However, they are more than a nuisance; they are a threat to human population health. They can carry serious diseases that infect humans and animals, including Malaria, West Nile virus, chikungunya virus, dengue virus and eastern equine encephalitis. A lot of effort has been put and continues to be emphasized so as to avoid mosquito bites and the detrimental effects that come with it.

There are over 3500 species of mosquitoes worldwide and they are present in all the continents except Antarctica. However only a few carry pathogens and cause disease. Some of these includes; Aedes, Anopheles and Culex. Mosquitoes are active at dusk and dawn and are most active at 26°C and do not function below 10°C.

Aedes

USING PEST CONTROL INTERVENTIONS TO COMBAT MALARIA

There are several Mosquito interventions including clearing of mosquito breeding grounds, use of insecticides, sleeping under treated nets, vaccines etc. However, the best form of mosquito control in the world is known as Indoor Residual Spraying, which is the application of a long-lasting, residual insecticide to potential malaria vector resting surfaces such as internal walls, eaves and ceilings of all houses or structures where such vectors are most likely to come into contact with the insecticide. IRS may also be referred to as Endophilism as it facilitates the blocking of malaria transmission through application of residual insecticides to walls.

Why Do IRS As A Mosquito Control Intervention?

IRS is a WHO recommended exercise as a core vector control intervention. When carried out correctly, IRS is a powerful activity that rapidly reduces adult mosquito vector density and longevity and, therefore, reduces malaria transmission greatly.

45 – Degree Angle

Malaria

Malaria is spread by mosquitoes. Every year millions of people around the world get malaria and over half a million people die from malaria every year, mostly children and pregnant women. Malaria causes fever and chills but it’s best diagnosed with a blood test. Several medicines treat malaria, but the parasites are becoming resistant to the medicines and that is why there is an emphasis on prevention more than cure and that is why conducting IRS is crucial especially in areas prone to it.

Malaria used to occur almost everywhere in the world. Now it’s mainly in warmer parts of the world such as:

• South America
• Central America and islands in the Caribbean
• Africa
• India and other parts of South Asia
• Middle East

ELIGIBLE STRUCTURES FOR IRS

HOW EFFECTIVE IS IRS

IRS is effective since most malaria vectors are endophilic i.e. tend to rest indoors. Once they do that, they take in the lethal dose thus reducing their lifespan. Progressive decline in vector density and longevity, especially among older female mosquitoes, and a reduction in overall vectorial capacity hence reduction in malaria transmission. IRS is most effective against indoor feeding (endophagic) and indoor-resting (endophilic) vectors. Greatest impact of an IRS intervention takes place after feeding, when the anopheline mosquito also known as marsh or nail mosquito is more likely to rest on a sprayed surface and pick up a lethal dose of selected insecticide, thus preventing it from transmitting malaria parasite to others in the vicinity. For the best results when it comes to IRS, there must be high coverage, usually over 85% coverage of all structures that are potential resting places. This will ensure one obtains the “mass effect”.

FACTORS THAT ENSURE AN EFFECTIVE IRS

• Proper training of spray operators

• Selection and proper use of the most effective equipment

• Precise planning, preparation, and logistics
• Correct insecticide selection
• Dedicated and disciplined spray operators

• Well-organized and diligent supervisors
• Good data recording and prior communication
• Enough staff, procurement, environmental compliance, and other tasks

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1. Identify the Problem.
2. Sanitation and Cleaning.
3. Remove Clutter.
4. Seal Entry Points.
5. Use Cockroach Baits.
6. Use Insecticidal Sprays.
7. Set Cockroach Traps.
8. Professional Pest Control.
9. Prevent Reinfestation.
10. Regular Inspections.

Cockroach control can be a challenge but with consistent effort and high standards of
hygiene one can curb and prevent future infestations.

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● Drain stagnant water
● Clean gutters and drains
● Repair leaking pipes
● Maintain pools and aesthetic water structures like fountains
● Use mosquito dunks and larvicides
● Install metals screens and seal gaps
● Use mosquito nets and repellants
● Consider biological control methods
● Mosquito traps
● Coordinate with neighbours
● Professional pest control

○ If you have a severe mosquito problem that cannot be resolved with DIY
methods, consider hiring a professional pest control service. We can assess
the situation and apply appropriate treatments.
Remember that mosquito control is an ongoing process, and consistent efforts are
necessary to keep mosquito populations in check. By taking these measures after a rainy
season, you can help reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases and make your
outdoor spaces more enjoyable.

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