Mosquitoes In The North-East USA

Did you know that Eastern Equine Encephalitis can be transmitted to humans? It is rare, but mosquitoes can give humans EEE and at least one inhabitant of Middleborough can confirm it. What is more EEE is worse for humans than West Nile Virus, which is spread by the same species of mosquito in the North East of the United States.



Eastern Equine Encephalitis attacks the brain and the nervous system and often either kills of leaves its victim in significant trouble.



The one man who is known to have been contaminated with EEE in NE America in August 2010, is still in a wheel chair a year afterward and there is no anticipated end to his pain.



The health authorities in close by Plymouth and Bristol counties where there were also lots of these mosquitoes (Culex pipiens) last year have warned that this could be a bad year for them as well.



They warned householders to begin on home defence by repairing fractured and damaged fly screens now. They have also recommended cleaning up mosquitoes' breeding grounds.



This involves up-turning any containers that could hold water for them to breed in. Do not forget that a mosquito only requires a half inch of water to lay 400 eggs. Drill holes in flower pots and old tyres so that they cannot hold water any more.



Old tyres are cited as one of the foremost factors for the increase of mosquitoes and the spreading of new species.



The next few weeks are the linchpin of how many mosquitoes will be around later in the summer and autumn. The more you exterminate now, the fewer there will be to breed further generations and mosquitoes may breed a new generation roughly every month.



That is 1x400x400x400 mosquitoes each quarter for every mosquito that gets away. A great-grandmother mosquito can be responsible for 64 million offspring every quarter!



These mosquitoes (C. pipiens) breed in water, but hang out in damp, dark undergrowth, so you could spray in there as well. Some local authorities have been out spraying the parks and verges, but you can do your bit by taking care of your own micro-environment - your backyard, shed and garage.



EEE has not been encountered this year in the North East so far, but West Nile Virus has been observed two times already. The weather has been perfect for mosquitoes - rain followed by warm weather.



The indications of West Nile and Easter Equine are similar to those of flu. The difference is that around 1% of those with WNF may die, but a lot more with EEE will probably die. About a third will suffer permanent brain damage



Individuals are worried by last year's experience. For example, the authorities in Plymouth County have already received almost 10,000 requests to spray against mosquitoes. This situation can only become worse unless inhabitants help by inspecting their gardens and nearby rubbish ground for likely breeding sites and destroying them. But it is not easy, mosquitoes can breed in a waste potato chip packet, so refuse becomes a big topic too.



Owen Jones, the writer of this piece writes on several subjects, but is currently involved with finding a stop mosquito bite itch. If you

want to know more, please go to our web site at Getting Rid of Mosquito Bites.