Gold Coast floods: snakes, caterpillars, rats, cockroaches and spiders on the move as mould blooms

Creepy-crawlies, rodents and reptiles have been on the move after their usual hiding places were inundated with water in recent days. WORST ENCOUNTERS REVEALED

FLOOD victims are being warned to stay on the lookout for dangerous mould which could bloom in damaged homes and property.

A Bulletin report last week revealed health officials were also concerned about possible tetanus infections and the spread of disease due to floodwater.

Now Asthma Australia has urged people to check their homes for mould growth on walls, windows and furniture.

CEO Michele Goldman said: “If you’re having difficulties with your breathing or other asthma or allergy symptoms lately, this could be why.”

Cold-like symptoms including `sneezing, blocked nose, coughing, shortness of breath, itchy eyes and headache could be an allergic reaction to mould spores.

People with asthma should not be present when mould is being removed and safety gear should always be used.

MAR 3, 2022:

COCKROACH infestations, balls of hairy caterpillars and brown snakes are just some of the skin-crawling animals and insects Gold Coasters have faced during flood recovery efforts.

Creepy-crawlies, rodents and reptiles have been on the move after their usual hiding places were inundated with water in recent days.

Pestoffman Gold Coast owner Bob Havrla said he had been swamped with calls requesting his help to remove huntsman spiders and rodents from homes.

“We have seen more rodent activity, but also infestations of cockroaches lately after humid weather,” Mr Havrla said.

“They have been looking for dry areas like homes or cars.”

He said insects had turned up in unusual places, such as an electrical switch box infested with cockroaches at a Southport home.

Gold Coast and Brisbane snake catcher Tony Harrison removed a deadly eastern brown from a TV cabinet at a home in Tamborine on Tuesday.

The snake was hiding less than a metre away from a pile of toys.

“We’re run off our feet. We had 30 phone calls in a row on Tuesday,” Mr Harrison said.

“If you do see a snake, leave it alone, take a photo and text it to us for identification.”

Gold Coast Health has not reported an increase in snake or insect bites since the flood.

Public health physician Vicki Slinko said there would be an increased risk of infections, diarrhoea and conjunctivitis in the region due to polluted water.

“Make sure that your tetanus vaccination is up to date and see a health professional or your doctor early for severe wounds, especially if the wound is dirty or becomes red, sore, swollen or painful,” Dr Slinko said.

“The usual hand hygiene we’ve been emphasising throughout the pandemic should always apply.”

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