Mosquitoes In The North-East USA
Did you know that Eastern Equine Encephalitis can be spread to humans? It is rare, but mosquitoes can give humans EEE and at least one inhabitant of Middleborough can corroborate it. What is more EEE is worse for humans than West Nile Virus, which is spread by the same species of mosquito in the North East of the United States.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis attacks the brain and the nervous system and frequently either kills of leaves its victim in significant trouble.
The one man who is known to have been infected with EEE in NE America in August 2010, is still in an invalid chair a year afterward and there is no anticipated end to his suffering.
The health authorities in close by Plymouth and Bristol counties where there were also plenty of these mosquitoes (Culex pipiens) last year have warned that this could be a bad year for them as well.
They warned householders to begin on home defence by repairing fractured and damaged fly screens now. They have also recommended clearing up mosquitoes’ breeding grounds.
This involves up-turning any containers that could hold water for them to breed in. Do not forget that a mosquito just needs a half inch of water to lay 400 eggs. Drill holes in flower pots and old tyres so that they cannot hold water any more.
Old tyres are cited as one of the foremost factors for the increase of mosquitoes and the dispersion of new species.
The next few weeks are the linchpin of how many mosquitoes will be around later in the summer and autumn. The more you exterminate now, the fewer there will be to make further generations and mosquitoes can breed a new generation roughly every month.
That is 1x400x400x400 mosquitoes every quarter for every mosquito that escapes. A great-grandmother mosquito can become responsible for 64 million offspring every quarter!
These mosquitoes (C. pipiens) breed in water, but hang out in damp, dark undergrowth, so you could spray in there as well. Some local authorities have been out spraying the parks and verges, but you can do your bit by taking control of your own micro-environment – your backyard, shed and garage.
EEE has not been seen this year in the North East so far, but West Nile Virus has been encountered twice already. The weather has been ideal for mosquitoes – rain followed by warm weather.
The symptoms of West Nile and Easter Equine are comparable to those of flu. The difference is that around 1% of those with WNF might die, but much more with EEE will almost certainly die. Around a third will suffer permanent brain damage
People are worried by last year’s incident. For example, the authorities in Plymouth County have already received almost 10,000 requests to spray against mosquitoes. This situation can only get worse unless residents help by checking their gardens and nearby garbage ground for likely breeding sites and destroying them. But it is not easy, mosquitoes can breed in a waste potato chip packet, so refuse becomes a big topic too.
Owen Jones, the author of this piece writes on more than a few topics, but is now involved with how to stop mosquito bite itch. If you want to know more, please go to our website at Getting Rid of Mosquito Bites.