Extended Mosquito Season: A Growing Threat in New England and Beyond
As the crisp air of fall begins to sweep across New England, residents are finding themselves dealing with an unexpected nuisance: mosquitoes. This year, Maine and the entire New England region are experiencing a particularly bad year for mosquito-borne illnesses. This troubling trend is not confined to Maine alone but is affecting the entire region, raising concerns among health officials and residents alike. The warmer weather, which has extended well into the fall season, is likely contributing to the increase in these illnesses. The Maine CDC Director has warned that mosquito activity is expected to continue for longer than usual this year, making it imperative for people to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
The persistent warm temperatures have created an ideal environment for mosquitoes to thrive. Typically, mosquito activity decreases when temperatures consistently drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. However, with Portland usually seeing its first frost around mid-October, the extended period of warmth has allowed mosquitoes to remain active. This extended mosquito season means that people need to be vigilant and take proactive measures to reduce their risk of mosquito bites. Precautions such as using EPA-approved repellents, avoiding outdoor activities during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, and wearing protective clothing can significantly reduce the likelihood of mosquito bites.
Different types of mosquitoes carry different viruses, including West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and Jamestown Canyon Virus. These viruses can cause severe health issues, starting with flu-like symptoms and potentially leading to serious conditions like brain swelling or spinal cord inflammation. Symptoms of mosquito-borne illnesses may appear 4-10 days after a mosquito bite and can include fever, body aches, joint pains, and other flu-like symptoms. If someone experiences these symptoms and tests negative for the flu and COVID-19, it is crucial to reach out to their healthcare provider for potential testing for mosquito-borne illnesses.
Prevention is key in avoiding these illnesses. The Maine CDC Director emphasizes the importance of eliminating standing water in and around homes, as mosquitoes can lay eggs in even small amounts of stagnant water. This includes regularly emptying containers that collect water, such as flower pots, bird baths, and pool covers. Additionally, ensuring that window and door screens are intact and free of holes can help keep mosquitoes out of homes. It is important to note that mosquitoes do not just reside in rural areas; they can also be found in urban settings, making it essential for everyone, regardless of where they live, to take responsibility in preventing the spread of these illnesses.
While the presence of mosquitoes in the fall is unusual, this year’s extended mosquito season is causing concern for health officials. Warmer temperatures have allowed mosquito eggs to hatch and for the insects to thrive, leading to an increase in mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile Virus and Zika Virus. Health officials are advising people to take precautionary measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites, including using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothing. Some experts believe that the extended mosquito season is a result of climate change, with warmer temperatures and increased rainfall providing ideal conditions for mosquitoes to reproduce.
The impact of climate change on mosquito populations is a growing concern. Efforts to control mosquito populations may become more challenging as the weather continues to warm. In the meantime, people are encouraged to be vigilant and take necessary precautions against mosquito bites. Despite the extended mosquito season, fall festivities can still be enjoyed with caution. As we transition into the cooler months, it is important to be aware of the continued presence of mosquitoes and take necessary steps to protect ourselves.
As gardening season comes to an end, many people may assume they won’t have to deal with pests, but this is not the case. The recent rainfall has caused an increase in mosquitoes, which breed in standing water. A homemade trap called the ‘bucket of doom’ is an effective alternative to pesticides and can be made with a 5-gallon bucket, water, straw or grass, and mosquito dunks. However, mosquito zappers are not recommended because they also kill beneficial insects. Swallows and bats are natural predators of mosquitoes and can provide effective control. Bats, for instance, can eat up to 1,200 insects per hour, and setting up bat houses can attract them to your yard.
Another common pest during the late summer is slugs, which can be controlled with the use of a product called Sluggo. Beer can also be used to attract and drown slugs, but be careful as it may attract other animals. Ducks can also be used as natural slug control, but they may require supervision. Other common garden pests include black-tailed deer, which can be deterred with an 8-foot fence or deer repellent spray. Deer repellent spray must be reapplied after rain and at least once a week. Methods like human hair and soap have been shown not to work. It is important to identify what is eating your plants before reaching for pesticides.
Leaf cutter bees are a common pest that may cut circles out of leaves, but they are important pollinators. Gophers are another common pest in Humboldt and can cause damage to gardens and orchards. It is not recommended to use poison to control gophers as it can have secondary lethality. Lethal traps are the most effective way to control gophers, with the Gopherhawk brand being highly recommended. It is important to dispose of gopher carcasses properly to avoid harming other animals. Other effective traps include black tube traps and Macabee traps. The Gopherhawk trap is easy to use and does not require touching the carcass.
In the Carolinas, fall has officially arrived, but mosquitoes are still a concern even though summer is over. August and September are the peak months for mosquitoes and the most likely times to contract a mosquito-borne illness. Mosquitoes are able to transmit more viruses during this time because they have had time to grow. Normally, mosquito-borne illnesses decline in October due to the decrease in temperatures. However, with longer summers due to climate change, mosquito season has extended by a month in North Carolina. There are measures that can be taken to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in your home, such as removing standing water.
The Charlotte-based WCNC team covers both North and South Carolina, offering podcasts that can be accessed on various platforms, including Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. These podcasts can be downloaded for free and listened to on the go. The mosquito season in North Carolina has extended almost a month in the past 50 years, with mosquitoes being most active and likely to spread illnesses in August and September. Climate change has caused longer summers, giving mosquitoes more time to breed. October typically sees a decline in mosquito-borne illnesses due to cooler temperatures.
Standing water, such as in flower pots or pool covers, is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. It is essential to eliminate any potential breeding grounds to reduce the risk of mosquito bites. The WCNC Charlotte team offers valuable information on how to protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses through their podcasts, which cover both North and South Carolina. As climate change continues to impact mosquito populations, it is crucial to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones from mosquito bites.
In conclusion, the extended mosquito season in New England, the Carolinas, and beyond is a growing concern for health officials and residents alike. Warmer temperatures and increased rainfall, likely due to climate change, have created ideal conditions for mosquitoes to thrive. As a result, mosquito-borne illnesses are on the rise, making it essential for people to take proactive measures to protect themselves. By using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, eliminating standing water, and staying informed through resources like WCNC Charlotte’s podcasts, individuals can reduce their risk of mosquito bites and enjoy the fall season safely.