Ask anyone scratching little red bumps Monday... the mosquitoes were out in full force during the long holiday weekend.
Bonnie Deakins is the Director of Environmental Services for the Hamilton County Health Department. She says, "We have so far had about twice the number of services requested for mosquitoes than we did this time last year." That's how the health department can track how many mosquitoes there are since it's impossible to physically count the insects. But they're out there. Summer camp counselor Nicky Ankar says the kids show up in the morning with their bug spray on. "After a couple of hours, after lunch," says Ankar, "we reapply the sunscreen and the repellant to hopefully keep those off of them." Of course the weather has a lot to do with the mosquito population. Last year we were in a severe drought, so there was less water for them to breed in. Mosquitoes are going to be more prevalent with more water," adds Deakins. The mosquitoes that breed in small pools are the most dangerous. The so-called container-breeder mosquitoes can carry the West Nile virus and Encephalitis. Clogged gutters, birdbaths and flowerpots can all spawn the dangerous insects. "Even a leaky faucet outside that's making a pool on the ground. They can breed there," says Deakins. That's why it's important to protect yourself. When possible wear long sleeves and pants and use a mosquito repellent with DEET. Also, limit your time outside between dusk and dawn when the pests are most prevalent. Avoiding the bite is the best advice since "mosquito season" lasts until the first hard freeze.
There have not been any reported cases of the West Nile Virus in Hamilton County yet this summer, but Deakins says the disease does not typically show up until August or September.
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