Flooding likely to increase number of mosquitoes | Health

People spending time outside in Shelby County will likely be faced with some bothersome bugs thanks to the recent flooding.

The county’s health department is warning people that the large amount of standing water will increase the number of mosquitoes.   

“We strongly recommend protective action be taken as families begin work to clean out and restore their homes in the days and weeks ahead,” said Dr. Daniel Sprenger, manager of the health department’s Vector Control Program. “It’s very important that mosquito repellents be used and proper clothing be worn to protect individual health.”

After all, mosquitoes aren’t just an annoyance. They also carry diseases like West Nile Virus.

County crews are monitoring water for mosquito larvae. They’re destroyed when they’re found and crews are also killing adult insects.

But experts say citizens can also help keep the mosquito population under control and protect themselves from the insects.

• Here’s what the Shelby County Health Department recommends:
• Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active. For many species, this is during the dusk and dawn hours.
• Wear clothing that covers most of your skin.
• Repellents containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), picaridin or OLE (oil of lemon eucalyptus) are options. Use strictly according to label instructions. Do not allow children to apply repellents and avoid applying repellents to the hands of young children.
• Check around your home to rid the area of standing water.
• Eliminate other breeding sites - remove old tires and turn over or remove empty plastic containers, bird baths, flower pots, etc.

Photo courtesy Flickr user aussiegal.