Depending
upon the time of year and where you live in the state, mosquito problems
may range from minor to severe. Late in the fall, mosquitoes go into diapause
(hibernation) and become less of a problem, particularly in western North
Carolina. Heavy rains and storm damage will provide attractive breeding
sites for species of mosquitoes that remain active until late fall. Mosquito
populations may decline at first as heavy rains actually flush mosquito
larvae out of some breeding sites. However, mosquito numbers will likely
increase in about 7-10 days, depending upon temperatures at that time
of year. Holes left by uprooted trees, tire ruts or soil erosion made
by vehicles and heavy equipment fill up quickly with water that can stagnate
over days. If the weather stays clear, then many of these temporary water
sources should dry up and reduce the likelihood mosquito problems. However,
if flooding is widespread, then persistent pockets of stagnant water are
more likely to become mosquito breeding grounds. As you begin cleaning
up around your property, you should take time to do the following:
- Overturn or empty objects that have collected stormwater.
- Clear gutters and downspouts of debris so that rainwater drains properly.
- Remove water that collects on sagging tarpaulins or other covers on your house or property.
- Clear debris from drainage ditches to so that stormwater runs off and does not stagnate.
- Fill in holes left by uprooted trees, vehicles or heavy equipment.
- Larger water-filled objects, such as swimming pools that become stagnant from poor maintenance, can be treated with an insecticide containing the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), which does not pose a hazard to animals).
- Spraying the shrubs in your yard (where mosquitoes might be resting) will reduce the mosquito population somewhat, but it is not likely to have a long-term impact. Mosquitoes can fly one-quarter mile or more (depending on the mosquito species) in search of bloodmeals. Mosquito control or abatement has to be a community effort in order to be successful. If your community has severe mosquito populations, contact your municipal government or local Health Department to find out if any area-wide spraying has been planned. Click HERE (PDF file) for information about North Carolinas emergency preparedness plans for mosquito or mosquito-borne diseases. Beekeepers need to take special precautions if their area is included in any spray program. Click HERE for more information about bees and spraying.
- Personal protection is the best recourse. Staying indoors is one way to avoid mosquitoes, although this is usually not possible or practical if you are active in cleanup and repair efforts). Wearing longsleeved shirts and long pants can also help (although this may be uncomfortable). Personal protection often involves the use of chemical repellents, such as products containing Deet. Perspiration from outdoor cleanup activities reduces the duration of protection provided by these products. Children and pregnant women should use small amounts (and the lowest concentrations) of these repellents.
Click Here for additional information about mosquitoes, mosquito-borne
diseases and insect repellents.