While many people look forward to the warm summer months to enjoy outdoor activities, this year may be a different story especially for folks living in the southeastern portion of the U.S. The reason is the warm and wet weather will be inviting to the Aedes aegypti which is the formal name of the Zika virus-carrying mosquito.
A recent study found 50 cities in the U.S, that will potentially have the ideal conditions for the mosquito in the coming months with July being targeted as the month when the highest population of the mosquitoes will be in residence.
While the west coast has a low level of probability at this time, and the central states have a moderate chance of infestation, states such as Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Hawaii and Puerto Rico have been designated as hot spots for the blood sucking pests. It’s also noted the mosquitoes have already been spotted as far up the east coast as New York and along the U.S. – Mexico border.
Be aware that this threat is a reality and secure your home with new window screens, seal cracks and crevices where the bugs can enter, empty standing water in your yard, and use a repellent when going outdoors.
The population of mosquitoes in New Jersey is increasing at a rapid rate this year because of the wet and cool weather conditions. Mosquitoes are dangerous pests that can cause a wide range of health problems, including the West Nile virus disease. To ensure that the residents in the state are protected from the risks of mosquito-transmitted diseases, the New Jersey Office of Mosquito Control Coordination is making extra efforts to combat the growing mosquito problem.
Mosquito fighters are sent to various parts of New Jersey, including wetlands, swamps, and river plains, to destroy mosquito larvae and exterminate adult mosquitoes. Hundreds of acres of land in Essex and Morris counties have been sprayed with mosquito pesticides from the air as well as on the ground. However, such measures are not sufficient to prevent the occurrences of mosquito-transmitted diseases.
The superintendent of the Division of Mosquito Control in Essex County, Louis Lynch, said that residents have to join efforts with the state to fight the mosquito problem. Residents can help out by getting rid of any standing water in their yards and cleaning their gutters regularly.