Mosquitoes can continue without precautions
Heavy and continuing rainfall, particularly from the “no-name storm” that deluged areas of Louisiana with the historic flood, also created a fertile breeding ground that lent to the largest mosquito bloom for the entire year.
Fortunately, they were mostly “pest” mosquitoes and not the disease carriers blamed for spreading viruses like Zika, said Steven G. Pavlovich, etymologist with Mosquito Control Services with an office in Luling. The August flood actually helped keep carrier numbers down by flushing out the stagnant waters they use to breed.
“They are noticed more because they are much more vicious biters and travelers,” Pavlovich said.
Yellow fever (aedes aegypti) and Asian tiger (aedes albopictus) mosquitoes can both carry the Zika virus, as well as other contagious diseases.
Pavlovich warned the two are container breeders, which means they can breeding in cooler months, even into December, without taking precautions. He advised removing any containers in a yard with standing water.
The Asian tiger also carries West Nile virus, which has been detected in chicken blood samples in South Ormond, Montz, Fairfield and Bayou Gauche in St. Charles Parish.
No human has yet been reported with Zika or West Nile in the parish to date.
Pavlovich said test results have shown fewer cases of West Nile than in past years, but he warned, “We’re still not out of the woods” and recommended remaining vigilant.
“A lot of these container breeding mosquitoes can still be active throughout the winter months,” he said of policing yards. “We need to be vigilant.”
Because of last year’s lingering, warmer winter, Pavlovich reported seeing these mosquitoes still active into the week before Christmas.
Increased mosquito spraying in these areas was increased and residents advised to avoid being outside at dawn and dusk. They also have been encouraged to wear pants and long-sleeved shirts, as well as use repellent with Deet and dump any containers with standing water in yards.
“The Asian tiger is everywhere,” Pavlovich said.
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