06/07/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/07/2021 10:40
CONTACT: Rudy Arispe
(210) 207-8172
[email protected]
SAN ANTONIO (June 7, 2021) - Although the ongoing downpour of rains has been good for the Edwards Aquifer and lawns, it's not so great for residents who quickly become a prime target for mosquitoes.
Metro Health is offering the community some sound advice on how to prevent mosquitoes from developing, and how to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
'One of the most important things to do is to remove standing water, which is a main source for mosquito development,' explains Joel Lara of Metro Health's Vector Control Program. 'It doesn't take much water, either. We have found larvae in caps of soda water bottles.'
Lara advises residents to keep mosquitoes from laying eggs inside and outside of your home by turning over or throwing out containers that hold water, such as:
These actions help reduce the number of mosquitoes around areas where people live. 'There are four stages of the life cycle of mosquitoes; three of them are in water,' Lara explained. Therefore, he recommends people buy mosquito dunks at retail stores they can place in standing water to prevent mosquito development.
If water must be stored, tightly cover storage containers to prevent mosquitoes from getting inside and laying eggs. Also, when water is contaminated with organic matter, such as animal waste, grass and leaves, the chances that mosquito larvae will survive could increase because contaminated matter provides food for larvae to eat.
Incidentally, it's the females who are the 'biters' although they don't have teeth. Instead, they use a long tubular mouthpiece called a proboscis. It has a serrated edge to pierce a person's skin. 'They take a blood meal and use it for egg development,' Lara said.
To avoid becoming a meal for mosquitoes, here is what you can do.
For those who wonder why they are often the first ones in a group to be bitten, it comes down to chemistry, Lara said.
'There's a lot of theory about this, but it has to do with body odor, sweat and carbon dioxide levels. Mosquitoes sense it and gravitate toward it.'
Meanwhile, although the recent rains have been good for the environment, Lara warns, 'about five to seven days after each rain event, expect to see a huge growth of mosquitoes.'
For more information on vector control, visit the website.