Rains Will Lead to Mosquito Activity, by Mike Waldvogel

The warming temperatures and recent spate of heavy rains will lead to increased mosquito activity in the next week. Before people start planning their chemical assault on the biting menaces, they can put a reasonable dent in populations simply by engaging in some "Tip and Toss" (which has nothing to do beer and watching TV). Our most common mosquito pest is the Asian tiger mosquito which takes advantage of water-filled objects as breeding sites. So, now is a good time to correct problems before you start hearing that familiar buzz of mosquitoes in your ear when you're sitting outdoors in the evening:

• Empty or (preferably) get rid of those objects that collect water - old cans, tires, and trash cans missing their lids.
• Put fresh water in bird baths and pet water bowls (both will be grateful for the new water!).
• The purpose of your rain gutters is to collect rain water, not pine needles, leaves, and other debris. Remove debris from your gutters and make sure water runs freely through through them. And make sure rainwater doesn't just splash and pool at the end at downspout. Make sure it drains out into your yard.
• Likewise, drainage ditches in front of your property are not meant to become "mosquito swimming pools." Clear them of debris and vegetation so that they don't impound water and let it stagnate.
• If you're going to collect rainwater to save for watering your gardens, make sure you have a screen over the top of the rain barrel to keep out debris and mosquitoes that are hunting for a good playing to lay eggs.

Pass along these suggestions to your neighbors as well because mosquito control takes a community effort to truly succeed.

You can find these details and more information about mosquito control on our website:http://insects.ncsu.edu/Urban/mosquito.htm

Mosquitoes and Encephalitis, by Mike Waldvogel

A four year old horse in Halifax County was euthanized after being diagnosed with Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). This was the first reported case of EEE this year in the state. The disease is found most commonly in eastern NC (as in this case). Back at the end of July, we had this year's first case of LaCrosse Encephalitis, diagnosed in a child out in Macon County. In North Carolina, LaCrosse Encephalitis (LCE) occurs most commonly in the western part of the state. Demographically, children under 16 years of age and the elderly are the most susceptible to the disease. There are no human vaccines for either LCE or EEE. There is an EEE vaccine available for horses but booster shots are needed every 6+ months in areas where the disease is most prevalent. Despite the name "equine encephalitis," the major reservoirs for the disease are wild birds. Mosquitoes bite infected birds, acquire the virus, and then transmit it to humans and animals.

With hurricane Irene heading towards our state, the heavy rains will likely create standing water in areas within the storm's path. Those water sources become the breeding grounds for mosquitoes. As people clean up after the hurricane and spend more times outdoors, they are more likely to get bitten by mosquitoes. This doesn't mean that they are likely to get EEE or West Nile Virus or other mosquito-borne diseases but the heavy rains will inevitably lead to increased mosquito activity and it can make working outdoors unpleasant. Anyone working outdoors should take precautions, particularly early morning and evening when some of the more important mosquitoes species are most prevalent. Use a repellent on *exposed* skin and reapply it as needed (e.g., if you're perspiring heavily during cleanup efforts). There are also products containing permethrin (e.g,. 'Permanone') that can be applied to clothing (not to skin). Eliminating pockets of standing water as quickly as possible will help reduce the threat of mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases.

Also, with the elimination of the Public Health Pest Management Section of DENR in June, organized mosquito abatement efforts following the hurricane will fall to local health departments and mosquito control programs. You may want to contact your local Health Department to verify how they will be handling any inquiries or requests for mosquito control assistance within your county because you are likely to get some calls as well.

Information about mosquitoes and other pests that may become problems following storms can be found on our website:

http://insects.ncsu.edu/Urban/storm/