Hurricane Dorian causes mosquito population to surge

The American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) warns of elevated mosquito populations in East Coast communities in the wake of Hurricane Dorian.

PHOTO: KHLUNGCENTER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

In the immediate aftermath of the hurricane, mosquito populations were drastically reduced as the adult mosquitoes were blown away on the high winds and the larvae were washed away in the flooding. However, as winds subside and the floodwaters recede, impacted areas can expect a significant upsurge in mosquito nuisances.

“The receding waters create ideal habitat for mosquito species that lay their eggs in lowlying areas, awaiting the inundation provided by the flooding,” says Joseph Conlon, the technical adviser of the AMCA. “Salt marsh breeding mosquitoes will be hatching at staggering rates as the flooding reaches eggs deposited in upland king tidal zones.”

Couple that with a population already traumatized by wind and water damage, debris and the loss of screening and windows, and you have a recipe for monumental mosquito nuisance issues. High numbers of mosquitos can hamper the recovery effort if mosquito control operators face a surge in demand for services.

“Extremely elevated mosquito populations anticipated in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian could have serious adverse impacts on rebuilding efforts, as relief personnel are subjected to relentless biting attacks,” says Conlon. “As a result, mosquito control operations could be called upon, competing for logistical resources.”

While governmental agencies address the damage and debris, the AMCA urges citizens to do their part to minimize mosquito bites by using EPA-certified repellants and avoiding non-registered products.

The AMCA is an international, scientific association of nearly 1,500 public health professionals dedicated to preserving the public’s health through safe, environmentally sound mosquito control. Founded in 1935, membership extends to more than 50 countries and includes individuals and public agencies engaged in mosquito control, mosquito research and related activities.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/09/18/hurricane-dorian-causes-mosquito-population-to-surge/
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