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Rain = mosquitoes = West Nile Virus vulnerability
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All of the birds, feathered and otherwise, have finally migrated north from Naples. As everyone knows, this annual northward migration heralds a lessening of traffic on our roads, shorter wait times at area restaurants and many other improvements to everyday life in Naples. Unfortunately, it is also an indication that another mosquito season has arrived.
High temperatures, high tides, and heavy rains have combined to get this mosquito season off to a buzzing start. The Collier Mosquito Control District (CMCD) has had helicopters and airplanes out combating these dive-bombing blood suckers since late April.
As usual, the first wave of attackers flew into Naples from as far away as 30 or 40 miles, arriving from the salt marshes of the Everglades and the Ten Thousand Islands, while others flew out of our local marshes. These salt marsh mosquitoes are fierce biters, feeding all through the day and making outdoor activities unpleasant. They primarily attacked residents in the coastal regions of the district, although a few made it as far inland as Immokalee.
Now that we have entered the rainy season with a vengeance, freshwater mosquitoes have appeared in most areas of the district. These mosquitoes, as the name implies, are produced in standing water with little or no salt content. Roadside ditches and retention/detention ponds are the first areas to produce these mosquitoes. As the rainy season progresses and flooding occurs in yards, fields and other low lying spots, these areas will also begin to produce large numbers of freshwater mosquitoes.
For residents who have moved to Naples within the last three years, don’t be surprised at the number of mosquitoes to be swatted this season. The last three mosquito seasons have been extremely light and atypical for this area. In fact, last year was the lightest mosquito season in the memory of CMCD employees, some of whom have been working at the district for more than 35 years. The way this year is starting out it looks like the area is in for a more typical, highly productive mosquito season.
One of the freshwater mosquitoes produced as a result of all the rain falling in the area, Culex nigripalpus, is the mosquito responsible for transmitting West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis in Florida. While there have been no reported human cases of West Nile virus in the state this year, and there is no evidence that the virus is circulating in the area, the number of Culex nigripalpus being collected in the district’s traps is increasing. For more information on West Nile virus, visit the American Mosquito Control Association Web site at: mosquito.org/im_one/
The site has a wealth of information about West Nile virus and mosquitoes in general. The increase in the mosquito population is an indication that residents need to begin taking precautions to prevent mosquito bites, since the CMCD cannot reduce mosquito populations to zero. Remember to follow the “5 D’s” for maximum protection against bites and mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus.
Dusk and Dawn: Whenever possible, avoid being outdoors during early morning and evening hours when mosquitoes are more prevalent.
Dress: Wear long sleeve shirts, long pants, socks and shoes to maximize protection. Light colored clothing is best since it is less attractive to mosquitoes than dark colors.
DEET: Use a repellent containing DEET, still the best repellent on the market, on all areas of exposed skin. DEET concentrations of more than 30 percent are a waste of money for the average user. As always, when handling any pesticide, read and follow all the label instructions.
Drain: Wherever possible drain standing water. Things like tires, cans, bottles, abandoned pools, bird baths, clogged rain gutters, buckets, etc. can collect rain water and provide an excellent site for the production of mosquitoes. Emptying containers on a weekly basis will help reduce the number of mosquitoes being produced locally.
For those who have rain barrels in their yard, mosquito netting stretched and fixed tightly over the barrel intake will keep breeding mosquitoes out. If you have a water feature, such as a pond, Dunks, a doughnut-shaped chemical that repels the mosquitoes, can be added.
Residents desiring more information on mosquitoes can contact Adrian Salinas or me at 436-1000.
To find out if your area is to be treated call 436-1010 or visit our Web site at www.cmcd.org . In addition, anyone wishing to tour the facility and see how the CMCD operates can contact Salinas about making arrangements for a visit.
Jeffrey C. Stivers, Ph.D. is director of research, Collier Mosquito Control District, www.cmcd.org. Call 436-1000; e-mail: jeff@cmcd.org
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