Mosquitoes are scientifically classified as True Flies. Just like their relatives, the common house fly, gnats and horseflies, they thrive in warm climates and typically feed on sugar sources. Most female mosquitoes also require a blood meal, typically from horses, cattle, birds or small animals but humans, unfortunately are also on the menu. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there are 2,700 mosquito species and fortunately, fewer than 100 species carry disease.
West Nile Virus (WNV) is one of several potentially serious mosquito-transmitted diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), only 1 in 150 people infected with WNV will develop severe illness. Most people infected with the virus will not develop any symptoms however, the risk of severe illness and death is highest for people over 50 years old or those with a weakened immune system, such as from receiving an organ transplant.
Eliminating breeding locations around our home and personal protection are two ways to reduce bites. Anything that will hold water for 5-7 consecutive days. Artificial containers such as cans, trash, old tires, gutters, pet food bowls, children toys and buckets are the #1 breeding sites for mosquitoes in the homeowner’s yard. Clean up and throw away trash, store useable containers properly, upside down or inside. Most mosquito bites occur during dusk and dawn but some species bite through the night and during the day, especially on cloudy days and in shady areas, which are moist and sheltered from the wind.
To reduce your risk of mosquito bites, follow the recommendations from the Cabinet for Health & Family Services:
· Stay indoors at dawn, dusk and in the early evening.
· Wear light colored long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors.
· Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin or DEET since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing.
· Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. An effective repellent will contain 30% DEET for adults and 10% DEET for children. Repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth so avoid applying repellent to the hands of children. Do not use DEET on infants.
· Whenever you use an insecticide or insect repellent, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s DIRECTIONS FOR USE, as printed on the product.
· NOTE: Vitamin B and “ultrasonic” devices are NOT effective in preventing mosquito bites.
Mosquito: Fact & Fiction
Fiction: High weeds and grass cause mosquitoes.
Fact: Mosquitoes rest in high grass, weeds, and shrubs or any thick vegetation during the heat of the day. Mosquitoes must have water to breed.
Fiction: Bug zappers will kill all the mosquitoes.
Fact: Bug zappers actually attract more mosquitoes and other insects, than they kill.
Fiction: That creek, ditch or stream running behind my house is the reason why I have mosquitoes.
Fact: Most problems with mosquitoes are because of standing or stagnant water, not running water. Water has to stand for 5-7 consecutive days for mosquitoes to breed. Also streams, creeks and some ditches often contain fish and other wildlife that eat mosquitoes.
The BCHD encourages you to do your part in helping yourself, your kids, your family and the community from the dangers of mosquito bites.
For more information about mosquito diseases visit the Cabinet for Health & Family Services web site at: www.chfs.ky.gov/dph/epi/westnile.htm. Another site is the American Mosquito Control Association at www.mosquito.org.