Mosquitoes are most troublesome during the warmer months as their population numbers — and their resulting threat to humans — increase. But now they’re an even greater concern as mosquitoes carrying Zika virus invade certain regions around the world, including the U.S.
Top 10 mosquito cities
Mosquitoes are an issue across the country, but they are of particular concern in certain areas. Each year, Orkin releases a list of the Top 50 Mosquito Cities based on the number of mosquito treatments Orkin performs in each market. Here’s a look at the top 10 mosquito cities for 2016:
1. Atlanta
2. Chicago
3. Washington, D.C.
4. Detroit
5. New York
6. Dallas-Ft. Worth
7. Nashville, Tenn.
8. Charlotte, N.C.
9. Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
10. Boston
As of this printing, nearly 40 people in a Miami, Florida neighborhood (and counting) were infected with Zika virus after being bitten by mosquitoes. In early August, county authorities began aerial spraying of insecticides and scientists at the National Institutes of Health launched a clinical trial to develop a Zika virus vaccine.
Given the seriousness of the virus and the increased health risk mosquitoes pose — infection during pregnancy can cause severe fetal brain defects and in rare cases serious nervous system disorders in others — many healthcare facilities are incorporating mosquito treatment into their larger pest management plan.
In addition to Zika virus, mosquitoes carry other diseases, including West Nile virus and Chikungunya virus, and produce bites that can cause a range of symptoms from mild irritation to intense swelling and inflammation.
Most common types of mosquitoes
There are more than 3,000 documented mosquito species worldwide, and the U.S. is host to about 150 of them. The appearance, habitat and habits of mosquitoes vary by species, but there are three that dominate the American landscape:
- Aedes Mosquitoes: The most common types of Aedes mosquitoes are frequently referred to as Asian tiger or yellow fever mosquitoes. They can carry and spread Chikungunya virus, Dengue virus and Zika virus. They are most common in the southern U.S. and can be aggressive biters not only during dawn and dusk like most species, but also during the daytime. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus bite mostly during the daytime.
- Culex Mosquitoes: These mosquitoes are in every state and can carry and spread West Nile virus and encephalitis. They are most inclined to bite at dusk and dawn.
- Anopheles Mosquitoes: In addition to spreading malaria, which has been considered eradicated from the U.S., these mosquitoes can transmit dog heartworms and viruses. Like the Culex, they have been found in every state and are most inclined to bite at dusk and dawn.
Considering how healthcare facilities are already sensitive environments, it is particularly important right now to develop a strategy that will keep any additional threats away.
How to protect your facility
Since there is currently no vaccine for Zika virus, Chikungunya virus or West Nile virus, preventing mosquito bites is the only way facilities can help curb the spread and keep patients and employees safe. Here’s what you can do to help prevent a mosquito infestation:
- Inspect for and eliminate standing water on your property. Any water that builds up and is stagnant for multiple days can become a mosquito breeding ground. Mosquitoes only need as little as a thimble full of water to lay their eggs, therefore identifying and removing even small amounts of standing water is beneficial. Check gutters, dumpsters, saucers under potted plants — particularly in outdoor seating areas for patients and visitors — and any other places water may collect and sit over time. Also, change and/or clean water weekly in bird baths and small ponds.
- Close up entry points, including lobbies or shipping and receiving areas. Make sure your facility has positive airflow (when air flows out, not into, your building) and install air curtains, which create a wall of air that mosquitoes — known to be weak fliers — cannot fly through. Seal gaps around utility penetrations with mesh and caulk, and install or replace damaged weather stripping around doors and windows.
- Reduce the risk of mosquito bites by encouraging employees and patients to wear long sleeves and pants when outside. An EPA-registered mosquito repellent should also be used while outdoors. Mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn, so try to limit time outside during this timeframe.
- While non-chemical prevention methods are preferred, if a mosquito population continues to grow, it may be necessary to utilize treatment methods that target larvae and adults. In breeding site areas, such as ponds or fountains, a pest management professional can test and treat the water with products that use insect growth regulators or bacteria to help disrupt the early stages of the mosquito life cycle. In adult mosquito resting places, such as heavily vegetated areas, a residual product can be used that will kill mosquitoes upon landing on the plant. Work with a pest management professional to determine the most appropriate treatments for your property.
If you notice an abundance of mosquitoes around your facility, alert your pest management provider immediately. The quicker a professional can inspect your property and identify mosquito breeding, resting and feeding sites, the sooner the situation can be remedied — and the less your staff and patients have to worry about.
Ron Harrison, Entomologist, PhD, is Director of Technical Services for Orkin. He is an acknowledged leader in the field of pest management with more than 30 years of experience. Contact Dr. Harrison at [email protected] or visit www.orkincommercial.com for more information.
