Have you been swatting pesky mosquitoes and scratching those bug bites like crazy as of late? Unfortunately for Delaware, the mosquito mayhem is far from over.
Delaware is a very mosquito-prone state with 57 species of the insect, according to the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Mosquito Control Section (DNREC).
Mosquito activity typically spikes in July and August, but recent bouts of rainfall and flooding in an area can contribute to mosquito activity, leaving behind standing water where the insect can breed – especially in water that has been standing for at least four days. A single female mosquito can lay up to 300 eggs at one time.
Climate change has also resulted in Delaware’s mosquito season starting as early as March and extending into mid-November in recent years, according to DNREC, with many mosquitoes still active on days when temperatures are in the 50s and 60s.
What risks do mosquitoes bring?
Mosquitoes carry several mosquito-borne diseases.
West Nile Virus is described as a summer flu spread by mosquito bites and leads to symptoms such as a fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, skin rash and fatigue.
Of those infected, only 20% display symptoms, with some cases becoming more severe.
Delaware’s sentinel chicken program, which puts out caged chickens at 20 locations throughout the state and tests them weekly for West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus, is used to determine the presence of the virus.
Mosquito bite symptoms
If you believe you have a mosquito bite, you may be experiencing the following symptoms, according to the CDC:
- Small blisters instead of hard bumps.
- Dark spots that look like bruises.
- A puffy and reddish bump appearing a few minutes after the bite.
- A hard, itchy, reddish-brown bump, or multiple bumps appearing a day or so after the bite.
The CDC reports that more severe reactions can occur in children, people with immune system disorders and adults bitten by a mosquito species they haven’t been exposed to.
People experiencing more severe reactions may experience a large area of swelling and redness, low-grade fever, hives and swollen lymph nodes.
Mosquito bite treatment
To treat a mosquito bite, the CDC recommends the following:
- Wash the area with soap and water.
- Apply an ice pack as needed for 10-minute intervals to reduce swelling and itching.
- Apply a mixture of baking soda and water, which can help reduce the itch response.
- Use ant-itch cream.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with just enough water to create paste and apply it to the bite. Wait 10 minutes and wash off the paste.
The CDC advises individuals with mosquito bites not to scratch the wound as this can lead to an infection. An infected bite may appear red, feel warm or a read streak will spread outward from the bite.
If your symptoms worsen, see a healthcare provider.
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How to keep mosquitoes away
To combat mosquitoes, DNREC’s Mosquito Control Section uses trucks or planes to spray pesticide in various spray zones on a daily basis. These zones are divided into blocks marked for treatment and are then sprayed with an EPA approved pesticide that is safe for humans, wildlife and the environment.
DNREC also advises individuals to take care of any standing water on their property to lessen the mosquito activity in their area.
Dumping water from the liners of flower pots, cleaning gutters and abandoned swimming pools, checking tarps over vehicles or boats and turning over any surface like a wheelbarrow or children’s toy that might collect water are all ways to decrease mosquito activity.
Pests to look out for this year:Spring brings more than pretty flowers. It’s time again to wage war on insects.
If you’re still struggling with mosquitoes on your property, pest control services can help by using barrier treatments and outdoor sprays.
Aside from protecting your property, personal precautions include using insect repellant, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants or opting to sit on screened-in patios.
Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys’tal Griffin at kgriffin@delawareonline.com.
