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Mosquito and West Nile Virus Information
Mosquitoes in Rockville
This type of mosquito is usually active in the dawn and dusk hours, and is typically less active during the day. They are generally weak flyers, with a maximum flight range of about a mile on a hot day -- less in cooler weather. This means if you have this type of mosquito in your area, they were hatched relatively nearby. The Asian Tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is a non-native mosquito that is fast becoming a significant pest in the area. Asian Tigers are easy to identify because they look very different from other mosquitoes: they are black and white (other mosquitoes are more brown and yellow), smaller than other mosquitoes, have black and white banding on their legs and abdomen, and a white "racing stripe" down the back of their head and thorax. If you see an Asian Tiger mosquito you will immediately recognize it as "different." Unlike Culex pipiens that is out in the evening when many people are indoors, the Asian Tiger is usually out during the day, when many people (including children) are outside. The Asian Tiger is a vicious biter, a vigorous breeder and tends to fly low where it bites children and legs and ankles of adults.
When they are not biting people or other animals, mosquitoes stay in cool, dark or shady places such as in tall grass or under porches and decks. Mosquitoes live for about two weeks to a month, so they need to protect themselves from drying out in the sun. Mosquito Breeding Habitats The mosquito development process requires that water be standing or stagnant FOR ABOUT A WEEK. This is important to understand because some people have become unnecessarily concerned about water that naturally evaporates or drains away within a few days. For instance, after a heavy rainstorm there may be standing water in ditches and swales at the side of roads, in tire ruts on construction sites, or in puddles on the road. If the water is gone in a week or less, mosquitoes will not breed in these locations because they will not be able to complete their life cycle. Mosquitoes also do not breed in moving water, such as in streams or in ponds that have water flushing through them frequently. Here is what the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has to say about mosquitoes in stormwater management ponds. Controlling Mosquitoes Around Your Home The most common prevention tips to reduce mosquito breeding sites are to turn over, throw away, or drill holes in the bottom of any container in your yard capable of holding water (garbage and recycling containers, for example); dump out bird baths or flush weekly with fresh water; empty potted plant saucers, outdoor pet bowls, and any children’s toys that may accumulate water regularly; and make sure rain gutters are free from clogging debris so that rain drains properly. Continue to be vigilant about any sources of standing water that you can remove, because the mosquitoes that are likely to bite you around your home are probably coming from nearby. Ornamental ponds stocked with fish do not breed mosquitoes, because the fish eat the mosquito eggs and larvae. Similarly, natural wetlands and stormwater management ponds contain habitats that support natural mosquito predators such as dragonflies, aquatic insects, fish and birds. These many beneficial predators can be harmed by certain pesticides, making mosquito control that much more difficult in the long run. Common-Sense Precautions to Avoid Being Bitten by Mosquitoes What Looks Like a Mosquito But Isn't The State of Maryland is no longer collecting dead birds. However, the City of Rockville Animal Control officers will respond to calls to remove dead birds. City of Rockville residents may call 240-314-8930 to request dead-bird pick-up within the City. You cannot contract West Nile Virus directly from a bird. However, as when touching any dead animal, it is advisable to wear gloves and to wash your hands afterward. The Maryland Public Health Hot Topics Line (1-866-866-CROW) will continue to provide WNV information to callers, but presently does not offer operator-assisted dead bird reporting. Dead bird surveillance conducted by the State during the past few years has provided valuable information on the spread of WNV in Maryland. West Nile virus has now been detected in human and animal populations in nearly all jurisdictions in Maryland, and is expected to return each year. For more information concerning mosquitoes and West Nile Virus, you may contact the City's Environmental Specialist at 240-314-8872 or email environment@rockvillemd.gov. Five Common Myths about West Nile Virus Myth #1: There's not much I can do about West Nile virus. Truth: There is a lot that you, personally, can do to reduce your chance of West Nile virus infection. Reduce the number of mosquito bites you get. Make a habit of using insect repellent with DEET when outdoors. Spray repellent on exposed skin and clothing. Get the details about safe repellent use. Prime mosquito-biting hours are usually dusk to dawn. Pay special attention to protection during these hours, or avoid being outdoors. You can reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home. Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so check your yard once a week: get rid of containers that aren't being used, empty water from flower pots, change water in bird baths and maintain clean gutters. Make sure window and door screens are in good condition. Have an older neighbor or family member? See if they need help installing or repairing screens. Myth #2: Kids are at the most danger of getting sick from West Nile virus. Truth: People over 50 are at the highest risk for developing severe West Nile disease. Relatively few children have been reported with severe West Nile Virus disease. By contrast, most of the 284 deaths due to WNV during 2002 were among people over 50 years old. Half of those deaths were among people over 77 years old. It is always a good idea for children to avoid mosquito bites, but it's also important for adults - especially older adults - to take steps to avoid mosquito bites. Click here for suggestions on how to avoid mosquito bites. Myth #3: It's only people who are already in poor health who have to worry about West Nile virus. Truth: Healthy, active older adults who spend time working and exercising outdoors have been affected by severe West Nile virus infection. Being over 50 is a risk factor for developing severe West Nile disease if infected with the virus. There is a risk of getting mosquito bites while leading an active life outdoors. This doesn't mean you have to stay inside - it does mean that it's important to use repellent when you go outside. Myth #4: Repellents containing DEET are not safe. Truth: Repellents containing DEET are very safe when used according to directions. Because DEET is so widely used, a great deal of testing has been done. When manufacturers seek registration with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for products such as DEET, laboratory testing regarding both short-term and long-term health effects must be carried out. There are products with different strengths (percentage of DEET) available. The longer the protection you need the higher percent of DEET needed. Repellent with DEET can be used for both adults and children, according to directions. Myth #5: As long as my area has a mosquito control program, I don't have to worry about using repellent. Truth: Mosquito control activities don't eliminate every mosquito, so personal protection is still important. Public activities, such as using surveillance, and IPM programs to control mosquito larvae, are one part of control. Personal protection, such as using repellent, keeping window screens in good condition, and control of household breeding sites are other important steps. Collaboration between the community, the family and the individual is needed to achieve the best prevention of West Nile virus infection. Consult any of the following sources for further information http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/ - The Centers for Disease Control’s West Nile Virus homepage – source of information on WNV as well as mosquito control (multi-lingual). www.edcp.org/html/west_nile.html - Maryland State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, West Nile Virus Information Page www.mosquito.askdep.com - Joint West Nile Virus information site of the Montgomery County Departments of Environmental Protection and Health and Human Services www.mwcog.org/services/health/westnileinfo/ - Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, includes information on the local Regional Response Plan |
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