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Psorophora sp. - Not a species that transmits Zika, but a big mosquito with an unpleasant bite
Photo: Kate Harrell
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There are a bunch of mosquitos out with all the rain we've gotten. Concern about the Zika virus has risen with the concern about mosquito populations. This disease holds the greatest risk for women in the first trimester of pregnancy. Contracting Zika during this time greatly increases the chance of a child developing microcephaly, a condition where the fetal brain and head do not develop completely and do not reach the proper size. In adults, the known effects of Zika have been relatively mild. Only one in five people will feel sick when it is contracted, and they will typically develop mild symptoms that include a fever, joint pain, red itchy eyes, an a rash. Symptoms arise two to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. So far, there is no vaccine available for the virus. This means that the best way at preventing the spread of the virus is by controlling the mosquitos and avoiding getting bitten.
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| Aedes albopictus by Dr. Mike Merchant |
Two species of mosquitos are capable of carrying the virus, the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes agypti) and the asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus). Both of these mosquitos can be found in most parts of the US, and Texas has both of these mosquitos. With the recent rain, mosquito populations are on the rise. These particular mosquito species are active throughout the day and into the evening, and will preferentially feed on humans. They can breed in very little water, and can reproduce quickly. Our first line of defense against this disease is remembering the "Four Ds".
— Drain: Empty standing water, thus eliminating mosquito breeding sites.
— Dress: Put on long sleeved shirts and pants when going outside.
— Defend: Apply mosquito repellent when going outside.
— Dusk and Dawn: Avoid outdoor activity during these two most mosquito-active periods.
Dr. Sonja Swiger, our Agrilife extension entomologist at Stephenville states "Using products containing DEET, picaridin, oil of Lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535, as active ingredients provide reasonably long-lasting protection from mosquito bites." Be sure to read and follow the label for any product you use.
Zika can also be transmitted sexually from men to women in certain circumstances. The US Centers for Disease Control recently recommended that women with confirmed cases of Zika, or who have experienced symptoms of the virus, wait at least eight weeks after the start of their symptoms before tying to get pregnant. Also, men with confirmed cases of Zika, or who have experienced symptoms of the virus, are advised to wait at least six months after their symptoms began before having unprotected sex. This recommendation is based on how long the virus remains active in the body and in semen.
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Mosquito dunk in a flooded yard
Photo: Kate Harrell |
Mosquito control can often begin with cultural management options, rather than chemical options. Emptying pet's water dishes, flower pots, and anything else that can hold water will limit their breeding ground and help reduce populations. Most mosquitos need only a small amount of standing water to reproduce.
Aedes aegypti and
Aedes albopictus both frequently lay eggs in artificial containers and fly very short distances (100-300 yards) once they emerge from the pools they were laid in as eggs. Tires are a common breeding ground for mosquitos. They are difficult to dump standing water out of, and will often hold water for extended periods of time. If you have standing water that you cannot dump out regularly, consider purchasing some mosquito dunks. These floating donuts contain BTI, a bacteria toxic specifically to mosquitos. This means the water is non toxic to other animals, so is still safe if a pet drinks from the standing water.
For more information on the virus, mosquitos, or any related concerns check out these websites:
For further questions, don't hesitate to call me at the Wharton extension office, or to contact Dr. Sonja Swiger or Dr. Mike Merchant.
Dr. Swiger: slswiger@ag.tamu.edu
(254)968-4144
Dr. Merchant: m-merchant@tamu.edu
(972)952-9204
Have a good weekend everyone!
Sincerely,
Kate Harrell
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