West Nile Virus mosquito population above normal in Connecticut

The population of mosquitoes infested with West Nile Virus is above normal this summer.  The state of Connecticut has been trapping and testing mosquitoes since the beginning of June and the number is well above the 12 year average for positive samples.

The findings can be found on the state of Connecticut website as part of the mosquito trapping and arbovirus testing program.

“We fully anticipate further build-up of the virus in the coming weeks and expansion into other areas of the state, said Dr. Theodore Andreadis, director of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.

Officials have found the virus in 19 Connecticut towns this years, but no cases have turned up in humans.  Connecticut has seen 134 cases of West Nile-related sickness and 3 deaths since 2000.

The West Nile virus has spread through the U.S. at an alarming rate and includes a wide vector of animals that can be infected, including humans, horses, cats and dogs, and even alligators.  Read more about the symptoms of this virus here.

Officials blame humid weather and warm temperatures for higher mosquito populations.  The two together provide an ideal conditions for mosquitoes to breed.

“Historically, August and September are the months of greatest risk for acquiring West Nile virus infection,” Andreadis said.

It’s not too late to protect your yard with our DIY tips and our barrier treatment.  We have a list of our 7 “Ts” — important tips to control mosquitoes on your property, including walking your yard at least once a week to check for and eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can breed.  Print the checklist here.

Don’t wait until you get bit! Contact us today if your property meets any of these high-risk factors:

• Your yard is adjacent to woods, fields or tall grasses.
• Your yard has a wall fence or stone walls.
• You or someone in the family is a gardener.
• Your children play in or near fields, trees or tall grass.
• Your property has several trees, shrubs, or dense groundcover plantings.
• Your yard contains a pile of wood, leaves or compost.
• Your pets play outside.