Here in the U.S. mosquito season typically ends after Labor Day. That’s when cooler weather starts rolling in and helps control the population of the tiny bloodsuckers. However, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a bit of bad news.
Mosquito Season Extended
The USDA now says mosquito season has been extended through the fall. In an official statement they attribute the longer season to warmer weather, large amounts of standing water in storm impacted regions, and a spike in disease carrying mosquitoes.
Typically, when temperatures drop consistently below 60 degrees mosquitoes are no longer active. It’s taking longer and longer to hit that consistent 60 degree mark every year. The longer season means you are more likely to be exposed to mosquito-borne illnesses.
Nationally, illnesses from insects like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas have already tripled from 2004 to 2016, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The National Climate Assessment studied the Asian Tiger Mosquito, which is known to transmit West Nile and other diseases. For the Northeast, their study claims the Asian Tiger Mosquito will increase its habitat by 11 percent in just 16 years.
Yellow Fever
While West Nile and Zika may grab the headlines, it’s another mosquito-borne illness that has health officials worried. The risk for Yellow Fever is rising. It may sound like an older disease, but due to the longer season and the higher count of mosquitoes, it’s beaming a concern. Almost 3 million travelers from countries with an active outbreak of yellow fever came to the U.S. in 2016 alone. That means an outbreak here in the U.S. is not unlikely.
Yellow fever gets its name from the jaundice it can cause in patients, but serious cases can cause internal bleeding and organ failure.
Prevention
You can protect yourself and your yard from the longer mosquito season. When venturing outside, avoid dawn and dusk when the insects are most active. Also spray your skin and clothes with a repellant. One containing DEET works best, but there are alternatives.
To protect your yard, clear all standing water like puddles, stagnant ponds, and old planters. Also, it’s important to have your yard treated by a professional, especially during the spring and summer months when your family and pets will be outdoors. For a FREE quote for a mosquito treatment program, contact Backyard Defenders today or fill out the form below!