KNOE 8 News; KNOE-TV; KNOE.com |ArkLaMiss sees increase in mosquito population

ArkLaMiss sees increase in mosquito population

By: Samantha Boatman

MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News)--Hot summers in the ArkLaMiss are pretty much the norm - and so is the presence of mosquitoes. We've been fighting them forever but the battle escalated a decade ago with the spread of West Nile Virus.

This summer, those several rainy days we just had may push the mosquito population even higher.

"This is a breeding ground for them," says one resident along Monroe's Deborah Drive.

Neighbors can't help but notice more tiny bloodsuckers hanging out in their yards. If you have standing water around your house, or live next to someone who does-watch out, it's a perfect breeding ground for mosquitos.

"We're still seeing this little spike in numbers and it will continue on as long as we see these showers come through," says Ouachita Parish Mosquito Abatement's Shannon Rider.

Rider says the number of mosquitoes was well below average a couple months ago but is climbing. This year, Louisiana has not had a case of the West Nile Virus. Eight states have reported West Nile cases, including Texas and Mississippi.

Rider's mosquito abatement team is constantly testing for disease.

"Last year, we didn't receive our first positive until the first of September, so maybe we'll see those kind of numbers again this year," says Rider.

Rider predicts West Nile Virus will follow the pattern of St. Louis Encephalitis, which goes in cycles. There will be few reported cases for years, then an outbreak.

"West Nile has been here going on ten years," says Rider.

The breeding cycle for a mosquito is usually five to seven days, but that depends on the species. They can lay eggs in something as small as a bottle cap.

The best way to prevent West Nile is to get rid of standing water around your house and when buying repellent, look for the ingredient known as "deet." If you see the abatement trucks coming through your neighborhood, make sure you stay indoors for ten to fifteen minutes, and wait for them to pass.