Researchers Work on Developing a Malaria Proof Mosquito

With more than one million people a year dying from malaria transmitted by mosquitoes, researchers at UC Davis and the University of Arizona have been trying to create a breed of mosquito that will not transmit malaria.  Of course, not every breed of mosquito is a vector (transmitter) of malaria.  In Maryland only one species of mosquito found in Maryland is known to transmit malaria.  Since most of the malaria deaths occur in Africa, it appears that efforts would be to introduce the “malaria proof” mosquito into Africa with the hopes that it will become dominant and will breed out the mosquitoes that breed malaria. 

The efforts to dominate the  malaria vectors would not have any impact on vectors of other diseases, such as West Nile Virus,Yellow Fever and various forms of encephalitis which have occurred in Maryland.  

The good news is that the UC Davis and University of Arizona researchers have received awards for the progress in their efforts.  The bad news is that even if they are successful in making this “malaria proof” mosquito dominant, it will take at least 10 years to do it. 

To read another blog about this development click here.

Information about Stink Bug Life Cycle

People have been telling me recently that they are starting to notice stink bugs in their house in the first week of January. As one person put it, it got a little warmer and now I am seeing them in my house. They wonder why that is. Others have asked me about the stink bugs’ life cycle. I thought I would share this information for anyone who is interested. Stink bugs are generally hatched in August. In September they notice that the temperature is getting colder so they start coming to your house to overwinter. They continue being heavily concentrated around certain homes, mostly in more rural areas near soy or corn farms or wooded areas, from September to November. By mid November the temperature has dropped enough that the stink bugs are inside where they will hibernate, or as some have called it, semi-hibernate. As it gets warmer to the stink bugs, they may start to get more active indoors. Though one of my customers told me that they saw stink bugs outside their home last February after the major snow fall. In April and May, they will start going outdoors. That is when they will mate. So, when is the best time to treat for stink bugs? Some may want to treat in April thru June to kill them before they breed and lay eggs. Definitely, from August through October is the time to treat to keep as many as possible out of your house.

West Nile Virus confirmed in Maryland

Recent news reports tell us that two Maryland residents have been diagnosed with West Nile Virus this year.  Check out the report on My Fox DC here.  Some reports have said that the Asian Tiger mosquito, perhaps the most prevalent mosquito in Frederick County, MD, is not a threat to transmit West Nile Virus.  However, the University of Maryland extension has reported that the Asian Tiger mosquito is a threat to transmit West Nile Virus to humans.  In a Gardeners’ Alert the University of Maryland explains that “The Virus is distributed by birds infected by Asian Tiger mosquito bites. Although mainly a bird disease, West Nile Virus afflicts birds, horses, and humans as well. Crows are particularly susceptible to West Nile Virus. However, the Virus has been detected in other wild birds, other mosquito species, humans, and horses.” 

Another interesting tidbit from the article: 

“The West Nile virus can be transmitted by mosquito species other than the Asian Tiger. However, the all-day feeding habits of the Asian Tiger mosquito may increase the risk of spreading West Nile virus. The Maryland mosquito spraying program is not the best against the Asian Tiger mosquito. Spraying is usually done at sunset or after dark for native mosquitoes. Asian Tiger mosquitoes are virtually absent during these hours.”  Mosquito Squad’s treatments use a different product than that used by the state.  The product Mosquito Squad uses has a residual affect that will kill mosquitoes that come onto the treated area, while still being people and pet friendly.  This has resulted in much better control of the Asian Tiger mosquito in many yards around Frederick. 

To read the University of Maryland article click here.

Mosquito Breeding Sites

After a recent rain storm, I treated two properties for the first time to help them reduce the Asian Tiger mosquitoes in their yards.  While in those yards, I observed several obvious breeding sites for the Asian Tiger mosquitoes.  In one yard, they had a small kiddie pool with standing water in it.  I looked in the pool and saw what must have been hundreds of moquito larva swimming in it.  I then found buckets full of landscaping rocks with more mosquito larva swimming in them.  Those were the obvious spots.  In that yard, there were probably many other breeding sites becuase the Asian Tiger mosquito can lay eggs in very small pools of water in tree holes, bottle caps and other locations. 

The other yard had a wheelbarrow with dirt and a tarp in it.  The tarp was full of mosquito larva. 

Removing those types of breeding sites would not completely eliminate the mosquito problem in those yards, but would certainly hellp reduce some mosquitoes. 

Asian Tiger mosquito larva breeding site

Asian Tiger Mosquito Breeding Site

Blood Sucking Insects Can Cause Disease in Pets

Over the weekend, I spoke briefly with a technician at the Banfield Veterinary Clinic in Frederick, MD.  She told me that they are treating quite a few dogs with Lyme Disease in Frederick.  That did not surprise me.  She also told me that several of the dog owners are not willing to spend money to protect or treat their dogs.  The veterinarians recommend that everybody treat their yard to kill mosquitoes and ticks to protect their dogs.  A barrier spray that kills the mosquitoes and ticks would be a good solution.

She also confirmed that they are treating at least three dogs that have Heartworm.   According to her, Heartworm has three stages.  If they catch it in a dog in the first three phases they can treat it.  If the Heartworm is in stage four or five, it will be fatal for the dog.  She also told me that there is nothing a veterinarian can do to treat Heartworm in cats.  The best way to save your cat from Heartworm is to prevent it.  That emphasizes the need for mosquito control.

Asian Tiger Mosquitoes Prevent Frederick Homeowner from Using His Backyard

The Frederick News Post published an article on 8/8/10 about Frederick resident Courtney Nicodemus’ complaint that he cannot use his backyard.  He wants the City or County to pay for the mosquito control.  Despite the fact that the Maryland Department of Agriculture says that this has been a fairly light mosquito year in Maryland, Mr. Nicodemus feels the problem is worse this year.  I understand that the state counts mosquitoes by having people stand in different areas and counting how many mosquitoes land on the counter.  That does not seem to count the Asian Tigers in backyards.  I have had customers tell me that they were being bothered by Asian Tiger mosquitoes in the backyard, but not in the front.  Other customers have told me that they thought the mosquitoes were worse this year.  Perhaps this is explained by the fact that Asian Tiger mosquitoes seem to thrive in the heat and do not need much stagnant water to breed.  

We have had very good success treating Asian Tiger mosquitoes, which helps to explain why Roelkey Myers, a Mosquito  Squad customer, who manages Frederick City’s mosquito control contract with the state of Maryland, recommended that Courtney Nicodemus call Mosquito Squad to get rid of the mosquitoes.  To read the article click here.

West Nile Virus Found in Maryland Mosquito Pool

MSNBC and WBAL-TV recently reported that a mosquito pool in Linthicum, MD had tested positive for West Nile Virus.  The health officials said they were not surprised by this finding. 

“We know that West Nile virus may be present throughout Maryland,” said Secretary of Agriculture Buddy Hance. “It typically appears at this time in the summer, so we are not surprised with this positive finding.

“The confirmation of virus-positive mosquitoes serves as a reminder to all residents to continue protecting themselves against mosquito bites and to conduct backyard mosquito control activities, in addition to MDA’s (Maryland Department of Agriculture) routine surveillance and spray activities.” 

People most at risk for developing severe forms of West Nile Fever are those older than 50 and those with already compromised immune systems.  However, all people should take steps to avoid mosquito bites, say Maryland’s Public Health officials. 

West Nile Virus is typically found in Mosquitoes from July through August.  As reported in a previous post, mosquito activity often increases in hot weather.   The next rain fall in Frederick and Washington counties will likely bring many more mosquitoes out. 

If you use professional mosquito control, ask about the satisfaction guarantee.  Some companies offer mosquito control but do not guarantee your satisfaction.  Nobody can eliminate 100% of the mosquitoes, but drastic reductions are possible.

Lyme Disease is on the Increase in Washington County, MD

A recent article in the Frederick News Post warns its readers that Lyme Disease is reporteed to be increasing in Washington County, MD.  This was no surprise to me because I have spoken with so many people in Maryland who have Lyme Disease or know someone with Lyme Disease.  One of my customers told me he works in an Emergency Room in Hagerstown and they see Lyme Disease every day.  Worse, the Centers for Disease Control readily acknowledges that the vast majority of patients with Lyme Disease go undiagnosed.  Therefore, the actual number of cases is far higher than the reported cases. 

Since deer ticks get blood meals on field mice, squirrels, rabbits, and larger animals like deer, you should expect they will be found any place those animals might be.   

The article says that mid-summer is a peak time for tick activity.  The only way to prevent Lyme Disease is to limit exposure to ticks.  In my opinion, the best way to limit that exposure is to exterminate the ticks.  Other steps should also be taken:  1) wear long pants that are tucked into your boots or socks, 2) where white clothing so you can see the ticks coming on you, 3) try to avoid places with high grass or wooded areas, 4) check children for ticks frequently. 

Lyme Disease can be extremely serious, causing severe joint distress, fatigue, and other life changing conditions, especially if it is not diagnosed.

Mosquito Squad Gets Mentioned in the Business Gazette

We were recently interviewed by the Business Edition of the Gazette about how the heat was affecting our business.  As I told the reporter, mosquitoes love heat.  They lay their eggs and a good thunderstorm brings out the new mosquitoes (as they hatch).  As I write, it is raining.  We should get ready to combat mosquitoes as a new batch will be coming our way. 

To read the article, where we discuss the fact that Asian Tiger mosquitoes reproduce quickly in hot weather, click here.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

We were just hired by a client living outside Frederick, MD who reported that he had Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever last year while living in Maryland.  I have previously blogged about Lyme Disease being relatively common in Maryland. 

The Centers for Disease Control states that “In the last 50 years, approximately 250-1200 cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever have been reported annually, although it is likely that many more cases go unreported.”  Moreover, “over half of Rocky Mountain spotted fever infections are reported from the south-Atlantic region of the United States (Delaware, Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida).”  Even though the disease was first diagnosed in the Rocky Mountains, only 3% of cases occur there. 

The CDC also states “The frequency of reported cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever is highest among males, Caucasians, and children. Two-thirds of the Rocky Mountain spotted fever cases occur in children under the age of 15 years, with the peak age being 5 to 9 years old. Individuals with frequent exposure to dogs and who reside near wooded areas or areas with high grass may also be at increased risk of infection.”   While the disease is transmitted by ticks, the CDC states that 60% of infected people report a tick bite or being in tick infested areas.  It should be noted that ticks are often small and their bite can go undetected. 

The CDC informs us that the best way to prevent tick-borne diseases such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease is to limit exposure to ticks, including through tick control efforts.  You should wear light clothing, tuck your socks into your pants, and check yourself and your children for ticks when visiting areas where ticks are known to be.