Hurricane Dorian Flooding Ensures Bumper Crop Of Mosquitoes

USA - English

• USA - English

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 11, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The winds and rainfall of Hurricane Dorian have exacted their toll on the east coast communities, not to speak of the catastrophic damage inflicted on The Bahamas. Unfortunately, the adverse impacts are not over yet. In the immediate aftermath of Dorian, mosquito populations were drastically reduced as the adult mosquitoes were blown away on the high winds and the larvae were washed away in the flooding. As the winds subside and the floodwaters recede, impacted areas can expect a significant upsurge in mosquito nuisances. Joseph Conlon, the Technical Advisor of the American Mosquito Control Association, notes, "The receding waters create ideal habitat for mosquito species that lay their eggs in lowlying areas, awaiting the inundation provided by the flooding. Salt marsh breeding mosquitoes will be hatching at staggering rates as the flooding reaches eggs deposited in upland king tidal zones." Couple that with a population already traumatized by wind and water damage, debris and the loss of screening and windows, and you have a recipe for monumental mosquito nuisance issues.

Governmental agencies will address the damage and debris problems to the extent they can, but citizens can do their part to minimize mosquito bites. Proper use of repellents is key. Citizens should use only EPA-registered repellents and avoid non-registered products. Registered repellents have demonstrated to EPA that they pose minimal risk to humans and will provide at least 4 hours of protection. Active ingredients registered by EPA include: DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, P-methane diol (synthetic eucalyptus), Refined Oil of Nepeta Cataria (catnip oil), IR3535 (a substituted B amino acid structurally similar to naturally occurring B-alanine) and Metofluthrin (Off! Clip-Ons).

A few tips on repellents:
1.    Pump and aerosol repellents are active immediately upon application.
2.    Lotions require about 20 minutes to activate so apply prior to going outside.
3.    Avoid using sunscreen/repellent combinations.
4.    Reapply repellent if sweating or after being in water.

An excellent resource for locating mosquito and tick repellents can be found at http://pi.ace.orst.edu/myrepel/. This site, operated by Oregon State University, provides the name of the product, the manufacturer, % active ingredient and established repellency protection times, It serves as a superb resource for arthropod repellent products.

Another option may be to obtain and wear clothing impregnated with permethrin. Marketed under the name of Insect Shield, these clothing articles employ a process of impregnating permethrin into fabric that will retain its repellency through 70 washings. The EPA has registered permethrin for this use and this method of repellency is endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The American Mosquito Control Association serves as the primary resource for mosquito and mosquito control information. The AMCA Web site, http://www.mosquito.org, contains valuable information, such as tips for controlling mosquitoes around the home, what attracts mosquitoes, information on repellants, and more.

The American Mosquito Control Association is an international, scientific association of nearly 1,500 public health professionals dedicated to preserving the public's health and well-being through safe, environmentally sound mosquito control. Founded in 1935, the membership extends to more than 50 countries, and includes individuals and public agencies engaged in mosquito control, mosquito research and related activities.

AMCA Technical Advisor Joseph Conlon is available for interviews at 904-215-9660 or conlonamcata(at)gmail(dot)com.

SOURCE American Mosquito Control Association