Florence Flooding Leads To Monster Mosquitoes In North Carolina

FAYETTEVILLE, NC — First, there was a hurricane. Then, the flood waters rose. Now Fayetteville, N.C. is experiencing another disaster in the making: mosquitos three times their normal size.

Swarms of these giant mosquitoes—also known as gallinippers — have hatched after lying dormant in dry weather, the AP reported.

According to Michael Reiskin, an entomology professor at North Carolina State University, “when the flood comes, we get many, many billions of them,” The Fayetteville Observer reported.

The threat of these giant ‘skeeters will be greatest in areas throughout the state where there’s stagnant water and where flood waters are slow to recede, and will peak Wednesday through Friday, ABC11 said.

As you begin cleaning up your property after a storm, here are some tips to help reduce mosquito breeding grounds, according to entomologists at NC State Extension:

• Overturn or empty objects that have collected storm water. If you’re hauling debris to a landfill or trash collection center, now is also a good time to get rid of some of these unwanted containers.
• Clear debris from roof gutters and downspouts so that rainwater drains properly. You can also check for previously unnoticed storm damage or wood-decay.
• Remove water that collects on sagging tarpaulins or other covers on your house or property. Plastic tarp covering firewood collects water and becomes a mosquito breeding ground.
• Clear silt and storm debris from drainage ditches and storm drains so that water flows out and does not stagnate.
• Fill in holes left by uprooted trees, vehicles or heavy equipment.
• Larger water-filled holes and objects, such as swimming pools that become stagnant from lack of maintenance can be treated with an insecticide containing the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) which does not pose a hazard to animals.
• In drier areas of the yard, spraying the shrubs where mosquitoes rest will reduce the mosquito population somewhat, but it is not likely to have a significant efffect, particularly if your neighbors do not take any steps to reduce breeding sites as well. Some mosquitoes species travel a 100 yards or less while other can fly one-quarter mile or more in search of blood meals. Be very careful when spraying yards. Make sure that the pesticide does not drift into neighboring properties. Check before you spray and watch out for children or pets. Do not spray vegetables and other edible plants unless the pesticide you use is labeled for that type of use. Also, most products require that you avoid spraying when bees and other pollinators are visiting flowering plants. If your community has severe mosquito populations, contact your local Health Department to find out if any area-wide spraying is being planned.
• Personal protection is absolutely critical. If you lose electricity and need to keep your windows open, make sure the window screens are seated properly. Staying indoors is one way to avoid mosquitoes, although this is usually not possible or practical if you are active in cleanup and repair efforts. Wearing longsleeved shirts and long pants can also help (although it may be uncomfortable). Chemical repellents, such as products containing Deet, are still the best option for personal protection outdoors. Repellents should only be applied to bare skin (never under clothing). You can also buy chemically-treated clothing but those items should be washed separately from your regular laundry. Children and pregnant women should use small amounts (and the lowest concentrations) of these repellents.

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