Released July 1, 2011
BROOKINGS, S.D. - South Dakota’s recent flooding makes it easier for mosquitoes to reproduce, but the greatest danger from West Nile virus won’t be until later this summer.
A publication from South Dakota State University Cooperative Extension and the South Dakota Department of Health has details.
SDSU Extension Extra 13007, “Mosquitoes and Flooding: Is Your Risk From West Nile Virus Increased?” is available online. Search for it by name at this Web page: http://www.sdstate.edu/sdces/store/Publications/search.cfm.
SDSU research parasitologist Mike Hildreth said a key point from SDSU’s ongoing mosquito research is that Culex tarsalis, the mosquito that most often spreads West Nile virus in South Dakota, does not become numerous until mid-summer. Even with wet conditions this year, SDSU research indicates the greatest risk of contracting West Nile virus in the state is not until mid-July through August.
The floodwater mosquito, or Aedes vexans, is the species that will be making a nuisance of itself in coming weeks. Hildreth said while these mosquitoes may be annoying, work by SDSU and the state Department of Health suggests they typically are not efficient carriers of West Nile virus, so their bites pose less risk.
No control program will kill all mosquitoes. It is still the responsibility of individuals to take precautions for themselves and their families.
Some simple precautions:
Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active. Wear long sleeves and pants. Use personal mosquito repellents such as DEET or picaridin. Start now and use until first frost. Use products as directed. Clean up the yard to avoid pools of standing water. Repair damaged screens.
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