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The control of pests such as mosquitoes, flies, bed bugs, cockroaches, rats and mice that carry disease is technically referred to as 'vector control'. The term 'vector' refers to any living thing that is a carrier of disease or infection from one organism to another.
Pests can be either mechanical vectors, where disease causing agents such as bacteria or viruses are carried on the feet or mouth of the pest and are physically carried to food or utensils; or biological vectors, where the disease agent is carried inside the pest. Examples of mechanical vectors are flies, cockroaches, rats and mice which play roles in the transmission of diseases such as salmonellosis.
The most well known biological vector is the mosquito, which plays an important role in the spread of Ross River virus and dengue fever by ingesting the agents of these disease by biting infected people and passing it on to uninfected people.
Each vector has a specific environment in which it prefers to breed and live. The most effective way of controlling vector borne disease is to control the vectors that carry them, and the best way to control vectors is to eliminate or at least reduce the conditions that provide a breeding environment.
Pest Management Technicians who use pesticides to control insects, mites and vermin require a license from Queensland Health. Licensed Pest Management Technicians must comply with a range of statuary requirements in relation to labelling of pesticides, vehicles and reporting of accidents.
Pest Management Act 2001
Pest Management Regulation 2003
Health Regulation 1996 (Part 8) - Mosquito Prevention and Destruction
Health Regulation 1995 (Part 17) - Vermin Control
Pest Management Regulation 2003
All available online: Health Act 1937 and Health Regulation 1996
Queensland Health have fact sheets and other information on communicable diseases including dengue fever, Ross River virus and leptospirosis.
The Workplace Health and Safety Queensland website has more information on workplace health and safety including advisory standards, brochures and guides.
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