Town Of Darien: Summertime & Mosquitoes

Press release from Town of Darien:

7/27/2021

David Knauf, Director of Health
July 27, 2021

We love summer in Darien! Being outside, enjoying the beaches, long walks at sunset and……. Lo and behold, those pesky bugs are here, too! And once again, the State of Connecticut Mosquito Management Program is monitoring mosquitoes for the presence of viruses that can cause illness in people including West Nile virus (WNV), Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEE) and ZIKA. The mosquito trapping and testing program, coordinated by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), began in June and continues through October.

Monitoring for mosquito-borne illnesses utilizes mosquito trapping and testing results. The CAES maintains a network of mosquito-trapping stations in municipalities throughout the state with two traps located in Darien. Mosquito trapping is conducted at each site every ten days on a rotating basis. Mosquitoes are grouped (pooled) for testing according to species, collection site, and date. Test results are available approximately one week after mosquito collection and positive results are reported to local health departments by the State Department of Public Health (DPH).

Today, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) reported that mosquitoes positive for WNV have been found in Darien. It is important to note that NO cases of West Nile Disease have been diagnosed in Connecticut residents thus far this year. Also, to date no mosquitoes positive for EEE have been found.

Protect yourself from mosquitos: To reduce the chance of being bitten when outside, wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, long pants and head cover. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing is preferable because dark clothing radiates more heat and attracts more mosquitoes. Insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus can be used by most people and are often effective for varying lengths of time. Permethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid that is widely available for repelling and killing ticks, also repels and kills mosquitoes. It is applied to clothing and provides longer-lasting protection. Do not apply permethrin products directly to skin. Although not marketed as repellents, there are several cosmetic liquids and creams that claim some level of mosquito repellency. These products may effectively repel when mosquito pressure is light, but need to be reapplied frequently. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides further information on the use and effective use of repellants. Minimizing the time spent outside at dusk and dawn will also reduce the potential exposure to mosquito bites.

What you can do: You can help with managing the mosquito “problem” but you need to realize that part of what makes this area so pleasant for us is what encourages the mosquitoes to be here as well….and that is the presence of water. One of the easiest and surest ways to manage mosquitoes around the home is to eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs. Mosquitoes need at least 7-10 days in water to fully develop. Some common sources of mosquitoes around the home are:

There are also ways homeowners can minimize the annoyance caused by adult mosquitoes. Mosquitoes prefer to rest in shady, calm areas and will avoid more open sunny, breezy areas. Mowing tall grass will reduce places where mosquitoes can rest. Mosquitoes are most active around dawn and dusk although some, such as the common saltmarsh mosquito, may be active throughout the day or may be more active during cloudy, humid weather. Simply avoiding outdoor activity during these peak mosquito times can minimize contact with mosquitoes.

Enjoy the summer! And don’t forget the sunscreen!

http://www.ct.gov/mosquito/site/default.asp                                       

 TOWN HALL, 2 RENSHAW ROAD • DARIEN, CONNECTICUT 06820-5397
www.darinect.gov/health
www.twitter.com/darienhealth

This press release was produced by Town of Darien. The views expressed here are the author’s own.