Late Summer Mosquito Control Still Necessary

In July 2010, there were 3 fatalities due to a mosquito-borne virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), in Florida. This illness is quite rare in the United States. It is an inflammation of the brain with symptoms like sudden onset of headache, chills and high fever, and vomiting. The symptoms can begin within a few days or weeks of the mosquito bite. It can progress to seizures, disorientation and coma. Peak time for mosquito-borne viruses in the United States is considered to be mid-August through October. Don't stop with your mosquito control yet!

With the hot and humid weather, there is usually an increase in mosquito population. It is not uncommon to have an increase in mosquitoes after big storms. Mosquitoes really like the humidity. Higher temperatures at night also lead to a larger mosquito population. However, the weather can be too hot and too dry for mosquitoes. In the instance where there are less mosquitoes and more mosquitoes are inactive, mosquito bites can be potentially more dangerous because they are more potent.

Continue taking all the necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Wear long sleeves and long pants when it is weather permitting. Make sure your screens on doors and windows are intact to keep mosquitoes out of your home. Eliminate mosquito breeding sites on your property. Empty stagnant birdbaths, pot saucers, tarps and tires. Use insect repellent or have your yard sprayed. Also, make sure you continue to protect your pets who are also prone to mosquitoes and the illnesses that they transport.