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West Nile Virus
Mosquito Surveillance |
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Adult and larval mosquito surveillance
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| There are many different
species of mosquitoes in our area. Some, moreso than others, are focused
on for the transmission of diseases such as West Nile Virus to people.
The
larvae of mosquitoes need standing water in order to develop.
Certain types of mosquitoes utilize certain habitats and are very
specific to those habitats in most instances. Some develop in swampy
areas and areas that flood after heavy rainfall while others prefer
containerized habitats such as buckets, tires, birdbaths, clogged
gutters, catch basins, unmaintained swimming pools, etc. Because the aquatic portion of the lifecycle of mosquitoes can be relatively short, about two weeks depending on the species- a month or longer in some species and as little as one week in others, it is very important to be aware of these habitats around the home. Getting rid of containers such as tires, unclogging gutters, turning over flower pots, buckets, childrens wading pools and changing the water in bird baths on a weekly basis are just some of the things that can be done to minimize mosquito habitat around the home. It is also important to get your neighbors and communities involved in these practices as everyone can and should be watching for these things around their homes and in their communities. |
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Larval surveillance is done to determine
different species of mosquitoes that are developing in an area. Adult
surveillance is done using special traps designed to sample mosquito
populations to determine not only what species are most active in
feeding, but also for the purpose of testing for various diseases
that they may be carrying. Personal protective measures should be used while active outdoors. Proper clothing such as light-colored clothing, long sleeves and long pants should be worn. Choosing a good insect repellent and staying away from areas where mosquitoes tend to bite at the times of the day when they are most active, dusk and dawn, are other ways of protecting yourself and your family. |
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REALATED WEBSITE LINKS
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| NYS Department of Health | http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/west_nile_virus/ |
| Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/ |
| Audubon | http://www.audubon.org/bird/wnv/ |
| American Mosquito Control Association | http://www.mosquito.org/about/index.aspx |
| Mosquito Fun Facts | http://www.mosquito.org/mosquito-information/fun-faqs.aspx |