Asian Tiger Mosquitoes Invade New York

Known for its vicious biting habits and preference for large cities, the hardy Asian Tiger mosquito is back with a vengeance. Typically we rely on cold winters to control mosquito populations, unfortunately an unseasonably warm winter and early spring has brought these disease-carrying pests out in increasing numbers.

And as these urban mosquitoes readily spread, entomologists fear that Chikungunya virus, which is carried by this species, could become endemic to New York within a few years.

Laura Harrington of Cornell University estimates there is one Asian tiger mosquito for every five New Yorkers. Once that ratio increases to five insects per person, her model suggests that someone arriving in New York carrying the virus would have a 38% chance of passing it on to another person through mosquito bites. The disease could become entrenched in the city at that level of infection.

There is no vaccine or cure for this particular virus and prevention is the best and only protection for you and your family.

Limit outdoor activity around dusk & dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Wear long pants and shirts and spray all over with insect repellents like DEET or PICARIDIN before leaving the house.
Keep bushes trimmed and grass mown.
Use screens and mosquito netting to provide skeeter-free zones in and around the home.

And more importantly – deprive mosquitoes of their favorite places like standing water, which can become potential mosquito nurseries. Females lay their eggs every three days in standing water. They don’t need much and they’re not particular where; an inch or two that has collected in a child’s toy, a flowerpot, or old tire. Stagnant pools, birdbaths and fountains are another mosquito favorite. Don’t forget to clear out the rain gutters too.

If you have a Mega-Catch™ trap then we definitely recommend using the Mega-Catch™ 3000 combo lure. Incorporating Octenol and Lactic acid the lure has been specifically formulated to attract the Asian tiger mosquito.

Tags: aedes albopictus, asian tiger mosquito, chikungunya virus, mega-catch 3000 combo lure, mosquitoes, new york mosquitoes

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 29th, 2012 at 8:11 pm and is filed under General, News.

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