Staying Healthy in Cyprus booklet

STAYING HEALTHY IN
CYPRUS
A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR THE MILITARY
COMMUNITY AND FAMILIES
FROM THE
JOINT SERVICES HEALTH UNIT (CYPRUS)
Version 1 – June 2013
ln addition to the fantastic weather, abundance of water sports and other great
opportunities, living in Cyprus also places you at risk from many potential health threats, such
as diseases, insects, venomous creatures and environmental health problems that you would
not normally need to consider if living in the UK. The following information package has been
compiled by the Joint Services Health Unit (Cyprus) (JSHU(C)) in order to provide some
guidance to ensure your stay in Cyprus is as safe and healthy as possible. The advice should
be adopted as good practice.
BRIEF HISTORY
JSHU(C) can trace its history to 1955
when personnel from No.2 Anti Mosquito
Unit (AMU) RAF, based in Egypt, carried
out a malarial survey of the Akrotiri
Peninsula as part of a study to ascertain
whether the area was a suitable location
for an RAF airfield. Eventually No.2 AMU
moved to Cyprus and in 1968 merged with
No.1 Hygiene Wing RAMC forming the
Joint Services Hygiene Unit (Near East).
In doing so it became the first Joint
Services Unit on the island. It finally
became known as JSHU(C) in 1981. The
FOOD SAFETY
Cyprus has well established legislation,
controls, organisations and responsibilities
in place with respect to food safety; much
of this mirrors the legislation being
enforced within the UK and Europe.
However, good food hygiene practice in
some
premises
outside
JSHU(C)
jurisdiction can sometimes be below the
standards we would expect.
Where is safe to eat?
Within the wire, all food premises,
including
military,
civilian,
beach
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unit was actively involved in the eradication
of malaria from the island in the late 50’s
and early 60’s working alongside the civilian
authorities. It was also heavily involved in
the supervision of refugee camps during
the 1974 invasion and also provided health
support for the increase in Service
personnel on island during Op Granby.
Today the Unit’s role is to provide a full
range of environmental health, occupational
hygiene and health promotion services so
that we all have experiences in Cyprus that
are memorable for all the right reasons!
restaurants and bars are inspected by
JSHU(C). When it comes to dining out, all
popular food outlets within the SBA’s are
inspected by this unit. Generally there are
good standards within the SBA’s; outside
of these locations try and use common
sense and/or take advice from friends on
places to eat. JSHU(C) does not inspect
premises within the Republic of Cyprus so
the food safety standards cannot be
assured. Ultimately, if you don’t like what
you see – eat somewhere else!
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powdery grey surface) before starting
to cook.
Wash salads and raw vegetables well
to remove all traces of soil and any
insects.
Defrost frozen meats and poultry fully
before cooking, unless the cooking
instructions say otherwise (ideally use
the fridge or use a microwave if
defrosting just prior to cooking).
Make sure all cooking and eating
utensils are spotlessly clean before
use.
Who do I contact with
questions/complaints?
If personnel visit a food premises within
the SBA and suspect there may be an issue
with food safety, contact your local
JSHU(C) detachment and they will pay
them a visit or pass the complaint to the
appropriate authorities. If you have any
questions about the standard of a specific
food outlet within the SBA, then contact
JSHU(C) and we will try and give you some
information. Any ‘out of bounds’ premises
will
be
published
on
your
own
Station/Garrison orders.
Cooking food outdoors can increase the
risk of food poisoning. It is harder to keep
food very hot or very cold and to keep
everything clean, but with a little extra
care barbeques can be safe as well as fun.
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BARBEQUES
Cooking food outdoors can increase the
risk of food poisoning. It is harder to keep
food very hot or very cold and to keep
everything clean, but with a little extra
care bbq’s can be safe as well as fun.
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Your food safety checklist for bbq’s!
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Wash hands before touching any foods
and after handling raw foods,
especially raw meat and poultry.
Light the barbeque well in advance and
wait until it is glowing red (with a
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At all times, keep foods to be cooked
away from foods that are ready to eat
If possible, keep meats, salads and
other perishable foods in the fridge
until just before you are ready to
cook/eat them.
Don’t leave perishable foods out in
ambient temperature.
If possible, pre-cook all poultry in the
microwave or oven and then take them
straight to the barbeque to finish off.
Cook poultry, sausages, burgers and
chopped or minced meats so that they
a piping hot throughout. Never eat
these meats rare.
During cooking, if food starts to burn
on the outside, raise the grill height or
reduce the heat of the charcoal
(dampen coals slightly or partially close
air-vents).
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Keep raw and cooked meats apart.
Don’t handle cooked foods with
utensils that have touched raw meats.
Everyone should wash their hands
before eating.
Keep serving bowls covered to protect
from dust and insects.
Eat food as soon as it is ready.
Thoroughly clean all cooking utensils
and work surfaces after use.
Throw away any perishable food that
has been left out at ambient
temperature for more than a couple of
hours, and all food scraps and used
paper plates into a covered rubbish
bin.
Other left-overs should be put in
clean, covered containers in the fridge
and eaten within 48 hours.
SWIMMING POOLS IN
YOUR GARDENS
What can you do to keep your garden
swimming pool clean?
You can help maintain high standards of
pool water quality and correct chlorine
levels by following a few simple rules. This
helps to ensure that you don’t get ill when
using your pool and also use less of the
expensive cleaning chemicals.
Ensure that your swimming pool is cleaned
on a regular basis and you are chlorinating
the
pool
as
per
manufacturer’s
instructions.
WATER SAFETY
All water supplied within the SBA’s is free
from contamination. If any problems are
identified that may affect you directly,
you will be notified!
All taps supplying water that is safe to
drink should be clearly marked as ‘Drinking
water’. The blue or stainless steel water
coolers seen around camp also supply
drinking water. Any other water source
should be treated as unsafe and bottled
water should be consumed.
DON’TS!
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Do not let your pets or any other
animals in the pool.
Do not use the pool if you have had
symptoms of a stomach upset in the
last 48 hours.
Do not wear outdoor shoes on the
pool side or in the pool.
DO’S!
Before consuming bottled water check
that the cap is sealed and that you are
drinking the genuine article.
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Always fill your pool with water from
an approved source.
Shower prior to entering the pool.
This gets rid of a lot of sweat and
bacteria that would otherwise end up
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in the pool. This sweat and bacteria
can reduce the levels of chlorine in
the water and increase the risk of
contamination and the potential for
infectious diseases from the water.
Wash your hands after the toilet and
before you enter the pool.
Ensure babies and children that are
not toilet trained wear swimming
nappies whilst in the pool.
Use the toilet ‘BEFORE’ you enter
your pool and get out if you need to
go during your dip.
STAYING SAFE
IN THE SUN
One of the biggest threats to both you and
your family whilst in Cyprus is going to be
the sun and its affects. Temperatures
during the summer months can reach 40oc
and beyond, averaging at around 33oc. This
is extremely hot and has the potential to
cause serious illness if the correct
precautions are not followed.
TYPES OF HEAT
ILLNESS INCLUDE:
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If you have a cold or a throat, ear or
skin infection it is recommended that
you do not use your pool.
Always cover cuts and grazes with a
waterproof plaster before using the
pool.
Remove leaves and other debris
regularly from the pool as they will
react with the chlorine in the water
and reduce its effectiveness.
Always use a pool cover at night and
when not in use otherwise it will
attract rodent and insect pests.
Your pool will be used as a drinking
water source for these pests during
the hotter part of the year. Their
next step will be your house!
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Sunburn – Most people have suffered from
sunburn at some point, however, very few
people are aware that it can have long term
impact and lead to more serious heat
illnesses.
Prickly heat – A painful and irritating red
rash that usually effects under arms and
groin area, but can appear anywhere on the
body. This condition occurs due to pores
becoming blocked through the use of talc,
deodorant, soap and excessive sweating.
This condition is more common in children,
but can affect anyone.
Heat cramps – Painful abdominal cramps
that occur due to excessive salt loss or
lack of salt intake.
Heat exhaustion – This is a serious rise in
core body temperatures. It is caused by a
combination of physical exertion, excess
loss of fluids, salt deficiency and a lack of
water.
Signs and symptoms include
lethargy, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps
and collapse. This can quickly lead to the
more serious and life threatening heat
stroke.
Heat stroke – This can occur when the
heat regulation mechanism in the body fails
and the body’s core temperature steadily
rises. Signs and symptoms include:
delirium, hot dry skin, feeling flushed, and
partial or complete loss of consciousness
will occur. This illness has a very sudden
onset and someone who was previously well
may suddenly deteriorate. It is difficult
to differentiate between heat exhaustion
and heat stroke. Both are serious and
could lead to death if not treated swiftly.
certain drinks can bring problems of their
own.
Fizzy drinks will only make you
bloated and your fluid intake will decrease.
Also see ‘alcohol’ below.
PREVENTING HEAT
ILLNESSES
Sense in the sun – Tan progressively. The
best place to be on a blistering day is in
the shade. If you must sunbathe, then
ensure that it's for short periods, and
that you use sunscreen with a protection
factor of at least 20. If you start to feel
queasy or ill then get out of direct sunlight
as quickly as possible. The sun is at its
most dangerous between 11am and 3pm.
These
preventative
measures
are
especially important for children and
people with fair skin.
Heat illnesses are preventable! Detailed
below is some basic guidance on how to
reduce the likelihood of becoming a heat
casualty.
Acclimatisation – This involves gradually
increasing the level of activity carried out
in the heat and choosing the time at which
these activities are undertaken. Although
acclimatisation usually takes approx 15
days, BFC policy recommends sedentary
activity for 3 days on arrival (between May
and Oct) followed by progressive physical
activity up to 28 days after arrival.
Residents
in
air-conditioned
accommodation must be aware that this
slows the development of acclimatisation.
Once acclimatised, it doesn’t mean you are
not at risk!
Fluid intake – Always pre-hydrate prior to
sun exposure or exercising. Don’t use
thirst as an indicator of water requirement
– if thirsty you are already dehydrated.
Chilled water is most suitable for
hydration purposes. If you can't face
drinking lots of water, still soft drinks,
such as fruit juice, can contribute to
hydration. Drinking excessive amounts of
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Salt intake – There is generally no need to
add extra salt to food or drink. For most
of us, maintaining a healthy diet is all that
is required to ensure that salt intake is
sufficient. However, those who undertake
a lot of PT could consider hypotonic
beverages as these will help the body
retain fluid and balance electrolytes.
Be sensible about exercise - Do not
exercise vigorously during the hottest
times of the day. Instead, run, jog or
exercise closer to sunrise or sunset. Take
things slowly and adapt to the pace of life
in the sun. Listen to your body - if you feel
breathless or your heart is pounding, stop
what you are doing and try to cool your
body down, for example, by taking a cool
shower. Rest in the shade if you feel faint
or dizzy.
Keep cool - Wear light, loose-fitting
clothing, such as cotton, so sweat can
evaporate. Dark, heavy clothes absorb
heat, but remember that some thin
materials do not provide a sufficient
barrier to the sun's dangerous UV rays.
It's also a good idea to wear a widebrimmed sunhat, preferably with vents.
Wear UV protective sunglasses to protect
your eyes.
Take a cool shower, bath or body wash:
Sprinkle water over the skin or clothing, or
keep a damp cloth on the back of your
neck.
Ventilate your home: if the external
temperature is close to or less than
internal temperatures, all windows, and
internal doors should be fully opened. This
helps the natural ventilation to remove
heat and increases internal air movement.
Windows and internal doors should ideally
be left open overnight in a secure manner.
Use a fan or air-conditioning if you have it.
Turn off non-essential lights and electrical
equipment as they generate heat.
Vulnerable people - Those most at risk
from the sun include children under 4
years old and people over 65, whose bodies
adapt more slowly to the change in
temperature, overweight people whose
bodies tend to retain heat more and people
who are ill.
Babies are particularly vulnerable to heat
as their sweat glands are not welldeveloped and they are less able to control
their temperature.
It's important not to wrap them up in
blankets or heavy clothing when it's hot,
but it's equally important to ensure that
they are not exposed to direct sunlight.
Sunscreen - Sunscreen plays an important
role in reducing the harmful effects of the
sun, along with limiting sun exposure and
wearing
protective
clothing.
To help consumers select products that
best suit their needs, sunscreens are
labelled with SPF numbers. SPF stands for
"Sun Protection Factor." The higher the
SPF number, the more sunburn protection
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the
product
provides.
Remember,
sunscreen use alone will not prevent all of
the possible harmful effects of the sun.
The effectiveness of a sunscreen is
reduced if it is not applied in adequate
amounts or it is washed off, rubbed off,
sweated off, or otherwise removed. For
maximum effectiveness, apply a sunscreen
liberally and reapply it frequently. When
at the beach or pool, cover exposed areas
with tightly woven clothing and wear a
wide-brimmed hat to protect your head
and face. If you're a parent, protect your
children's skin; research indicates that one
or more severe episodes of blistering
sunburn in childhood or adolescence can
double the risk of skin cancer later in life.
Alcohol – If you think boozing it up at the
summer bbq or enjoying liquid lunches on
the beach is a good idea — think again!
Drinking alcohol in the hot summer weather
can leave you dehydrated and more
susceptible to heat illness, accidents and
injuries.
WBGT HEAT STRESS
READINGS
The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT)
heat stress readings will be conducted on a
regular basis throughout the summer
months by your Station/Garrison. This is
not a ‘traditional’ temperature reading that
you would read from a thermometer, but a
reading that takes into consideration
several climatic factors such as humidity
and wind speed. It is then colour coded
for easy reference. You can obtain up to
date heat stress readings from warning
boards situated around bases. It is also
periodically announced on BFBS radio
through the summer.
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Immediately strip the casualty to
their underwear.
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Continuously sponge or spray the
casualty’s whole body with cool water.
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Fan the casualty’s skin to improve
evaporation.
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Give water to drink if the casualty is
fully conscious.
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If unconscious place casualty in ¾
prone position (‘recovery position’) as
the casualty is likely to vomit.
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Evacuate to medical care as quickly as
possible.
A single case is a warning that
other personnel are at risk!
FIRST AID
If you see or experience any of the heat
illness signs and symptoms shown below,
you may be dealing with a life threatening
heat illness.
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Agitation.
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Nausea or vomiting.
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Staggering or loss of coordination.
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Cramps.
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Disturbed vision.
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Confusion, collapse or loss of
consciousness.
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Dizziness.
Do the following….
THE MAIN AIM IS TO STOP THE
ACTIVITY AND COOL THE CASUALTY!
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Lie the casualty down in shade and, if
they are conscious, elevate their feet.
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VENOMOUS
CREATURES
“A general awareness, respect and basic
knowledge of these creatures are our
main defences. If we are aware of their
behaviour and habitats we can not only
avoid but also anticipate potential
contact with these creatures”.
Cyprus has a wide variety of venomous
creatures that you may not have
encountered before. This is not to say
that you are going to come across any of
the following, but it is important that you
are aware of their existence, what they
are capable of doing and what precautions
should be taken.
SNAKES
Joint Services Health Unit personnel
receive regular requests for advice and
control. Current MoD policy does not
allow any of our personnel, military or
civilian
Integrated
Pest
Control
Operatives (IPCO’s) to handle snakes. We
are however able to offer guidance on
identification, prevention, control and
first-aid.
It is important to remember that generally
snakes are not a high risk on the island.
Personnel tend to be concerned because
they do not normally encounter snakes at
home in the UK and there are many myths
surrounding snakes that are not true!
The Montpellier – This venomous snake can
grow up to 2 metres in length. It is a very
slender snake with large eyes on a long
head. It is grey and olive in colour with
many adults having scattered spots. Fangs
are at the back of the mouth so a severe
bite is unlikely.
This snake lives in warm dry environments
with plant cover in which it will hide if
threatened, but if provoked will bite. The
Montpellier feeds on lizards, other snakes
and birds.
If humans are bitten the venom will cause
stiffness and numbing of the limb which
usually passes in a few hours.
The island of Cyprus boasts 22 different
species of reptile; of these, 8 are snakes.
3 of these snakes are venomous:
The Blunt Nose Viper – This strong snake
can grow up to 2 metres long, grey to light
brown in colour, yellow tip at the end of
the tail, heart shaped head with a blunt
nose. It has small cat-like eyes and fangs
at the front of the mouth.
The Montpellier
The Cat Snake – This is a small snake, only
growing up to 1 metre in length. It is
usually grey or beige in colour with an
obvious black spot or ‘collar’ behind its
head with square patches on its back. This
slender snake has a flat head with small
cat like eyes.
The Blunt Nosed Viper
The viper is mainly active during the day
apart from the warmer months of July and
August when it will hunt at night. The viper
can be poisonous to humans and the victim
should receive immediate first-aid and
medical assistance.
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The Cat Snake
This snake is found in stony places and
mainly hunts at dusk. It can be active in
both the warmer months and also during
the day in the winter.
This snake mainly feeds on lizards. Its
prey is usually held for a period of time
whilst the venom takes effect, causing
death to its prey within a few minutes.
Although this snake is venomous, the
mouth is considered too small to be
effectively used against humans.
It is important to remember that a snake
‘is often more frightened of you than you
are of it’. It is sensible to assume that any
snake you see could be a poisonous one and
to avoid it. But there are measures that
you can carry out to avoid contact and
therefore avoid the risk of being bitten.
The following preventative measures
should be adopted against snakes:
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Keeping gardens and surrounding areas
free from undergrowth and refuse will
remove the habitat and food for both
snakes and their prey – rodents.
•
Ensure there are no points of access
through which a snake can enter
accommodation.
Snakes
can
get
through very small holes, so it is
imperative that all openings around
water pipes, electrical outlets and
windows/doors are sealed.
•
Woodpiles and other items being
stored around the house/garden
should be kept at least 18 inches off
the ground to deny shelter for the
snake.
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Be careful when lifting stones and
other objects in your garden.
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DO NOT pick anything up with your
hands without checking underneath
first.
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Rats and mice are a favourite food
source for snakes, so if you think you
have a rodent infestation report it as
soon as possible.
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Strict lead control when walking dogs
on the ‘bondu’ area is advisable.
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If walking/running in bondu areas stick
to defined paths, making snake
sightings easier. Walking with a heavy
tread and making noise should ensure
snakes move away as you approach.
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Educate children on the dangers of
snakes.
Children are naturally
inquisitive which could place them at
greater risk. It is imperative that
children are taught to move away from
any snakes and inform an adult of the
sighting.
What to do if you come across a
snake….
KEEP ALL PERSONEL AND PETS AT A
DISTANCE. Leave the snake alone and it
may disappear on its own accord.
As
snakes are frightened of loud, sudden
noise and vibrations making a noise may
encourage them to leave. If it remains and
poses a threat then CALL THE SBA
POLICE who can assist with its removal.
(SBA Detachment contact numbers can be
found towards the end of this booklet).
JSHU are not authorised to assist in the
disposal of snakes.
There are only 5 – 10 snakebites to humans
reported annually across the island, and
there have been no reported bites to
humans within the SBA and military bases
for a number of years.
Although
snakebites are extremely rare, it is
important that personnel are aware of the
immediate action to take should a snake
bite someone:
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important to exercise extreme caution
when lifting rocks/logs in the garden.
It is imperative that the casualty is
treated quickly and calmly and in a
reassuring manner.
The Cyprus Scorpion
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Identify the bite site and pour water
over the bite to wash it out. Do not
rub, cut, apply any creams or attempt
to suck the venom out.
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Do not apply a tourniquet.
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Remove any restrictive garments or
jewellery.
•
Do not give alcohol.
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Limit the movement of the individual
and if possible immobilise the limb
that has been bitten.
•
Do not attempt to catch the snake for
identification purposes.
•
Seek medical attention immediately.
There are only two known scorpion species
on the island, the most common being the
aptly named ‘Cyprus scorpion’. It is yellow
to yellow-brown in colour, may reach 60-75
mm in length, and although rare has been
known to enter houses on the island. Their
sting is comparable to that of a bee.
Avoidance of scorpions is recommended.
Medical aid should be sought if stung.
SPIDERS
The European Tarantula and the Cyprus
Brown Widow spider are both native to the
island and although they are not deadly,
both have a nasty bite! When threatened,
the tarantula will also release tiny
corkscrew hairs from its back and legs
which are an irritant to both skin and eyes.
TO HAVE A SNAKE REMOVED FROM
YOUR ACCOMMODATION, WORKPLACE
OR SFA CONTACT THE SBA POLICE
VIA YOUR LOCAL GUARDROOM
SCORPIONS
Scorpions are widespread on Cyprus. They
vary in size with differing potencies of
sting. All scorpions sleep during the day
and will hunt at night. They rest in cool,
dark, moist places, so again it is very
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The European Tarantula
The Brown Widow is tan to dark brown and
has a distinctive hourglass shaped marking
on the underside of its body that is usually
orange/yellow in colour.
If walking at the waters edge at dusk or
dawn it is advisable to wear trainers or
flip flops to provide a barrier. The only
treatment is to put the affected limb in
water as hot as the victim can stand
without causing scalding.
The Brown Widow
All personnel should be discouraged from
handling any spiders whilst on island.
The Weaver fish
THE SEA URCHIN
These are spiny creatures that are
generally found in rocky areas of the sea.
If stood on, the spines can break off in
your foot with a high risk of secondary
infection. If medical attention cannot be
sought, the following may help:
MARINE LIFE
•
Remove as many spines as you can
with tweezers
Whilst living in Cyprus it is likely that
beaches and the sea will be visited,
especially in the summer months. It is
therefore very important that you are
aware of what may be of danger to you.
•
apply antiseptic to the wound.
•
Soak first aid gauze with vinegar and
apply to the wound. Secure with
tape.
•
Change dressing every 6 hours and
re-apply with vinegar.
THE WEAVER FISH
Between dusk and dawn it will swim to
shore and bury itself in the sand of shallow
water with just their dorsal fin showing.
Stepping on this dorsal fin can be very
painful, however instances are rare.
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Urchin spines are made of calcium and
carbon. Vinegar is very good at dissolving
both.
The Sea Urchin
THE LION FISH
This fish lives further out to sea so may
only affect anyone who is diving. It is a
very beautiful black and white striped fish
with long fins. It is however very
territorial and will release an irritant if
disturbed.
identify a pest infestation within your
accommodation or workplace.
If you
require assistance, complete a pest control
report form found at the back of the
booklet and fax or deliver it to the
relevant detachment. You can also contact
your local Housing Office, Families Officer
or local HIVE and they will provide you
with a copy of the form. This will provide
us with all the necessary information to
prioritise the task. You will be visited by a
pest controller within 72 hours.
What types of pest may you come into
contact with?
RODENTS
Rats and mice live all around us! If you
provide them with shelter, warmth and
food they will thrive and take up residence
in your home. They carry diseases (such as
leptospirosis and salmonella) that are
harmful to humans.
They eat and
contaminate all types of food, damage and
destroy
property
by
gnawing
and
constantly urinate and leave droppings
wherever they go.
To help prevent infestations you can do the
following:
The Lion Fish
PEST CONTROL
JSHU(C) carries out routine proactive pest
control within the bases and its wider area
of responsibility. This keeps the pest
population to a minimum. JSHU(C) also
provide reactive pest control should you
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•
Maintain high standards of kitchen
cleanliness.
•
Make sure you dispose of all waste
(especially food waste) appropriately
and regularly.
•
Ensure bins and refuse skips are used
correctly. Ensure the lids stay on to
deny rodent access.
•
If you keep other animals, good
hygiene is important. Regularly clean
any food waste or spills and store
feed in sealed containers.
•
Store your food securely in sealed
containers in cupboards (this will also
deny other pests).
•
Clean kitchen areas intensively,
focusing on areas where grease
accumulates.
Report any sightings using the form
attached to the back of the booklet.
•
Clear up after every meal and do not
leave food lying around, especially
overnight.
•
Turn off appliances to limit the
warm, dark places cockroaches can
hide. Also check behind cooker and
fridge motors.
•
Cockroaches love small enclosed
spaces, so seal any holes, cracks or
gaps in the wall, skirting boards and
inside cupboards.
•
Report all structural defects as they
provide
ideal
habitat
for
cockroaches.
COCKROACHES
Similar to rodents, cockroaches thrive
where shelter, warmth and food is
provided. They thrive in drains but also
enter
kitchens.
Cockroaches
are
considered a public health hazard as they
can
spread
diseases
such
as
gastroenteritis, dysentery and typhoid.
These diseases can be transferred onto
food products and kitchen surfaces from
the insect’s legs and bodily excretions.
THE HOUSEFLY
A cockroach
The common housefly is found worldwide.
In Cyprus it breeds and remains active all
year round due to the warm climate. The
housefly excretes bodily fluids when
resting and is capable of spreading various
diseases such as salmonella, typhoid and
dysentery. House flies have also been
known to transmit the eggs of parasitic
worms.
To help prevent an infestation you can
carry out the following measures:
•
Keep all foodstuffs in tightly sealed
containers.
•
Bins should be emptied and washed
regularly. All bins should have tight
fitting lids.
•
Keep surfaces, food preparation
areas and floors as clean as possible.
To control houseflies a high standard of
hygiene is required:
•
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Keep all food covered.
•
Do not allow refuse to accumulate.
•
Clean up animal faeces in your garden
on a daily basis.
•
Use fly screens on windows and
doors.
•
Use aerosol insecticides.
Remove any standing water from pots, bins,
children’s toys and any other items that
may contain water be in your garden.
Report any drains that are blocked and
drain covers which are broken. Ensure all
storm drains are cleared of any blockages
to allow the water to run freely.
MOSQUITOES
The Eastern Mediterranean is a haven for
biting
insects
including
mosquitoes.
Although they are predominantly a biting
nuisance in Cyprus, in other countries they
can spread some debilitating diseases such
a Malaria and West Nile virus.
What measures are
control biting insects?
being
taken
to
As part of an integrated pest management
plan,
JSHU(C) undertakes proactive
mosquito control. This includes applying
pesticides to standing water where
mosquitoes breed and using ‘insecticidal’
fogs to kill adult mosquitoes.
Both
measures reduce the amount of biting
insects and mosquitoes, but will never be
100% effective.
Therefore, we all have a responsibility to
assist with the battle against biting
insects.
What can we do to help ourselves?
Do not allow standing water to accumulate
around living accommodation or your
workplace. If you have a pool it should be
emptied before the rainy season begins (it
is cheaper to empty and refill than to try
and maintain it through the winter). When
emptying make sure you do not create any
standing water.
Mosquito
Keep your garden trim and tidy as
mosquitoes love resting in long grass and
overgrown bushes.
Some accommodation is fortunate enough
to be fitted with screens on doors and
windows; if you are not so lucky then a bit
of DIY may help. Make sure you seek
approval before erecting mosquito screens.
Use insecticidal aerosols inside the house
especially before bed time as this will kill
any mosquitoes that have entered
throughout the day. Remember to follow
manufacturer’s instructions.
Mosquitoes bite more during dusk and
dawn. During these times try and cover up
as much as possible and apply personal
insect
repellents.
When
applying
repellents, use them frequently, especially
in the summer when you perspire.
Although less common, some mosquitoes do
bite throughout the day, so remember to
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adopt your personal protection measures
during this time if you notice mosquitoes
present.
procession to find a suitable area to
transform into the moth.
Help us and you ‘fight the bite’.
SANDFLY
The sandfly lives and breeds in vegetation
and rocky cracks and crevices. It is a weak
flier and will usually only be found within
20 metres of its breeding site. Bites
occur if its breeding area is disturbed, e.g.
cultivation of the garden. The bites are
itchy and look like chickenpox. Adopt
personal protective measures similar to
the mosquito measures.
WASPS & HORNETS
Wasps and hornets will hibernate over the
winter and build their nests in the spring.
By summer they will start to emerge.
Hornets are much bigger than wasps and
are brown with a large yellow stripe on
their body. If they are annoyed, unlike a
bee, wasps and hornets can sting a number
of times. Occasionally they will venture
into gardens and married quarters.
Silk nest
The caterpillars are covered in hairs which
contain an irritant toxin. On contact these
can cause a skin rash and occasionally some
people have an allergic reaction especially
if the toxin has come into contact with the
eyes.
Children are the most likely to be
affected as they will inquisitively
examine the procession of caterpillars.
Control is carried out by members of
JSHU(C).
Processionary caterpillars
PROCESSIONARY
CATERPILLARS
The processionary caterpillar (the larva of
the Pine Moth), is commonly found
throughout Cyprus. The adult moth will lay
her eggs in pine trees. The caterpillars
hatch and then spin a nest of silk (small
football sized). The mature caterpillars will
then emerge in Feb/Mar and migrate in
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ANTS
Although of no medical significance,
are an unpleasant pest to have around
accommodation and will spoil food
human consumption in their quest to
food to take back to their nest.
ants
your
for
find
As ants are of no medical importance
JSHU(C) will not carry out pest control to
eliminate the problem. Here are some
simple control methods that you can adopt:
•
•
•
Identify the nest in the garden and
pour boiling water on it. This is an
effective temporary measure.
There are many pesticides available in
ERMES, other local supermarkets or
on the internet. They eliminate the
ants by using the worker ants to carry
the pesticide back to the nest to kill
the queen and juvenile ants. This
requires time to take effect and you
may see a temporary increase in
numbers. Do not kill the ants you see
as they won’t be able to take the
poison back to the nest.
Other good tips are: keep food in
sealable containers, always clear up
any spillages and crumbs immediately,
keep food areas clean and disinfect
regularly. Also block up any holes
where
ants
are
entering
the
room/building.
This is particularly
important in catering establishments.
Remember that ad-hoc advice is always
available from JSHU(C) regarding any
other creatures that you may come across.
FERAL CATS & DOGS
Feral cats and dogs are a big problem
within the SBA’s. Although they may look
cute and cuddly, they can be very vicious,
carry ticks, mites and fleas and are
capable of spreading a range of diseases.
You must discourage both from entering
your SFA and garden and do not feed or
provide them with shelter.
Report cats that you suspect to be feral to
JSHU(C) and dogs to the SBA police.
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FERAL DOGS MUST BE REPORTED TO
SBA POLICE.
SBA Police (Akrotiri) Detachment: 2527
7227.
SBA Police (Episkopi) Detachment: 2596
3677.
SBA Police (Dhekelia) Detachment: 2474
4334.
HAZARDOUS
PLANTS
Research has shown the risk of harm from
plant poisonings is low – less than one in 10
million – however, there are more poisonous
plants in the SBA and Republic of Cyprus
than there are in the United Kingdom.
Whilst many plants are harmless, there are
a number of plants that can present a
range of hazards, including: being prickly
or thorny, causing asthma, dermatitis, skin
irritation, blistering and burns, or are
toxic, harmful or an irritant causing
diarrhoea and vomiting if ingested. Ensure
your children do not pick plants or eat any
fruit unless you are there with them and
know them to be safe. Teach them which
plants are hazardous and which are not,
and emphasise the need to wash their
hands before eating.
It is recommended that personnel should
assume that all plants they come across
are poisonous. If you require assistance
over the ingestion of any plant, always
contact your local med-centre or the
emergency services.
If you require any further
information please contact
JSHU(C) detachments on the
following numbers:
No.1 (Akrotiri) Detachment
(includes Troodos): 25276397.
No.2 (Episkopi) Detachment:
25963648.
No.4 (Dhekelia) Detachment
(includes Ay Nic): 24744458.
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Pest Report Form
Customer Details
Rank/Title:
Surname:
Date:
Contact No:
Location Details
Address:
Building No.
Pet dog(s) present?
Food Establishment:
Pet cats present?
Encroachment:
Letting:
Sodexo:
Suspected Pest Details
Feral Cats:
Rats:
Fleas:
Flies:
Mice:
Sandflies:
Ticks:
Cockroaches:
Beetles:
Wasps/Hornets:
Mosquitoes:
Caterpillars:
Birds:
Other:
Any additional relevant info (numbers sighted, where sighted in building, is there a visible
nest etc):
Notes:
1. For Snakes and Feral Dogs please contact the SBA Police.
2. Bats, Bees and Cicadas are protected species.
3. Ants do not pose a health risk and will not be treated unless it is exceptional circumstances.
4. Traps will not be placed immediately prior to weekends and public holidays.
5. Initial complaints will normally be actioned within 48 hours, wherever possible.
6. JSHU(C) do not offer an out-of-hours call out service. For emergencies contact the Station Duty
Officer.
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