St. Tammany Parish Mosquito Abatement (STPMAD) has measured a significant increase in the number of floodwater mosquitoes collected in traps over recent days. Due to the large amount of rainfall the region recently received with Hurricane Ida, areas across St. Tammany Parish are experiencing explosive populations of Aedes atlanticus and Psorophora ferox mosquitoes. These two species have increased by nearly 300%, compared to historical averages, and are primarily found in heavily wooded areas and alongside the many rivers throughout our parish.
Mosquito production from a tropical system is often difficult to control, as mosquitoes continue to produce in not easily accessible areas. While these mosquitoes are not typically vectors of diseases like West Nile virus (WNV), they are a tremendous nuisance to our residents who are trying to repair homes and clean debris in the aftermath of the storm. Unlike our primary vectors of disease, these two species are daytime feeders and can have quite painful bites.
Our primary disease-spreading mosquito species are lower than we normally encounter at this time of year. However, in the weeks before the storm, we found multiple groups of infected mosquitoes carrying WNV and Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). We recommend residents continue to take precautions to protect themselves against biting mosquitoes. When working or playing outdoors, consider wearing a CDC-recommended, EPA approved mosquito repellent such as those containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Peak biting time for our primary vectors is an hour before and after sunrise and sunset.
The STPMAD team is working diligently to control the mosquito populations across the parish. Our biologists are inspecting marsh and woodland habitats to find sources of these mosquitoes, treating root ball voids and areas with standing water, and meeting with residents to investigate problems on their properties. Controlling mosquitoes in their aquatic larva stage is our first line of defense; preventing those mosquitoes from becoming biting adults.
Our pilots and night drivers are performing aerial and ground treatments across the parish in areas experiencing a surge in mosquitoes. Residents who are still without power are particularly encouraged to monitor our treatment plans, so that they are able to close any open windows in advance of a treatment. The treatment schedule will be posted each day on our Facebook page – @STPMAD, on the website at https://stpmad.org/treatment-schedule/, or you can sign up to receive an automated phone call, text or email https://stpmad.org/request-notification/.
Residents can also help to reduce the number of mosquitoes around their homes by taking the following steps:
• Dump and drain any containers holding water in your yard. Mosquitoes only need a small amount of water to lay their eggs, so look for all potential sources!
• Take the time to clean your gutters. Clogged gutters hold water and our biologists are finding this to be a big problem in many areas.
• Make sure your septic system is functioning properly. Malfunctioning systems attract more of our primary vector species – the southern house mosquito.
• Get those swimming pools cleaned out and functioning properly again. If the pool isn’t circulating because of lack of power and can’t be treated or maintained it could be a significant source of mosquitoes. Contact our office if you are unable to have it serviced, we can help reduce the mosquitoes until it is functioning properly again!
• Contact us if you have root ball voids in your yard that are a source of mosquito production! We can help treat the problem.
For additional information, please call St. Tammany Parish Mosquito Abatement office (985) 643-5050.