Could This Year’s Mild Winter Mark An Increase In The Mosquito Population?
Posted in Helpful Hints, Safety, Traveling, Outdoors, Repell-emAccording to the National Climatic Data Center 2006 was the warmest year on record and we may be feeling the effects of it well into 2007. Specifically when it comes to the mosquito population. It’s no secret that mosquitoes commonly flourish in places where the climate is warm and muggy. Each year they lay their eggs and most of these eggs are killed off by cold temperatures during the winter months. Many scientists are fearing that since most, if not all of the United States experienced a milder than normal winter and that there is currently a drought sweeping across the country this could lead to a boom in mosquito related diseases. It’s often the case that an area experiencing a drought will also eventually see an increase in the number of mosquitoes buzzing around. The reasoning behind this is that once the area is flooded by heavy downpours, then does not see rain again for some time the mosquito larva are more tightly compacted into what puddles remain and thus the disease they carry are more easily transmitted.
Mosquitoes can carry any number of diseases including West Nile, Malaria, Ross River Virus, and Denuge Fever all of which can be deadly and sometimes fatal. According to a recent article on MSNBC: “One study found that temperature increases from 0.5 degrees to 3 degrees can double the population of Anopheles mosquitoes, which carry malaria, and double the speed at which dengue incubates in the Aedes aegypti mosquito, suggesting that its infectious life would increase. And temperature rises can extend a mosquito’s range and lengthen the biting season. Climate models have the risk of catching dengue rising to 74 percent by 2050 and the number of malaria infections by 50 million to 80 million cases per year by 2100.”
With temperatures dipping into the low 30’s all across the country in what is now the second week in April, is it just matter of time before we are swarmed by the insects? Some scientists say no. Recently Wayne Andrews, superintendent of Briston County Mass. Mosquito Control Program had this to say, “ It’s still early to say how the mosquito season will turn up this year.”It’s really a difficult thing to predict. We had a cold end of the winter,” he said. “The question is, was it cold enough?” The fact that we’re getting a lot of rain now will have more impact than the cold,” he added. Mr. Andrews said that in about four weeks larval counts will start coming in from the field, giving officials a better idea about what lies ahead for the spring and summer.”
With more and more people every year being infected with mosquito related diseases, it’s important to take action now and make sure you are prepared to ward off the deadly insects. Make sure there is are no sources of standing water in your yard and you have the proper repellent on hand.
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