The intense rains of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee have gone and left a new problem for us – a flood of mosquitoes.
“We’ve got mosquitoes everywhere right now,” Ken Conway, mosquito control manager for Kent and Sussex counties, tells The News Journal. The dry to wet weather is creating ideal hatching conditions for the 57 mosquito species found in Delaware.
The increase in mosquitoes could continue as long as the conditions stay warm, hanging around till late September and possibly October.
Delaware isn’t the only area affected. Parts of South Jersey saw the mosquito population increase by 50-percent, according to Philly.com and Newsworks reports that Pennsylvania is seeing a 25 percent increase.
The main concern with mosquitoes is not just that they are bothersome, itchy nuisances, rather the diseases they can carry and spread to humans and animals-- problematic diseases including West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
Delaware's Division of Fish and Wildlife website offers preventative tips to lessen your chances of being bitten. Wearing long sleeve and light colored clothing are best and using repellents that contain DEET can help. Also, avoid being outside during the evening when mosquitoes are most active as well as stagnant pools of water.
The state is also spraying from the air and ground to provide some relief.
Health
If you have concerns or questions about spraying areas or mosquitoes, you can get them answered on the state’s website. That’s where you’ll also find information on spraying announcements, email updates, and requests for “No Spray Zone” applications.
