Cool Nights Suppress Mosquitoes Carrying West Nile Virus

As the temperatures drop tonight and the weather feels more like fall, the cool nights may actually be beneficial. Cool overnight temperatures, the lack of hot, dry days reduce the risk of mosquitoes that can carry West Nile virus according to News Day.

Scott Campbell, chief of the county health department's arthropod-borne disease laboratory in Suffok County said, “that's not to say that the virus is no longer a threat.” The risk still exists, he said, as humans have contracted the virus in September.

"A wet spring and hot, dry summer" mean large numbers of mosquitoes and "a lot of viral activity," Campbell said. When the Albany NY region faced a heat wave struck in July, with 90-degree temperatures, and humidity making it feel like 100. Shortly after, the virus started appearing in mosquito, but a lucky break kicked in -- night temperatures in the 60s and 80-degree days helped slow down mosquito activity, he said. The "nighttime coolness," coupled with the possibility that people are wearing more covering clothing at night "is working to our advantage."

Still, that could change should warmer weather develop, he said. It's not until nighttime temperatures drop routinely into the 50s and leaves begin falling that mosquitoes start hibernating and dying off.

Even though our risk is lowered against mosquitoes and West Nile virus, below are mosquito prevention tips:

• Wear an insect repellant when outdoors.
• Dispose of used tires.
• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are kept outdoors for draining of liquid.
• Make sure roof gutters drain properly, if not have repaired by the Thomas Pest home repair division. Along with the importance of cleaning clogged gutters in the spring and fall or installing leaf defier.
• Turn over wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Change water in bird baths once a week and pet dishes regularly.
• Clean vegetation and debris from edges of ponds.
• Maintain cleaning and chlorinating swimming pools, saunas, hot tubs and draining water regularly from pool covers.
• Maintain landscaping around your property.
• Don’t over water your yard or garden.

Thomas Pest Service’s Mosquito Control is a green, organic service. You can use your yard and property normal once the product has time to dry. Customers love the ability to get rid of mosquitoes and get rid of ticks naturally! Living in and around the Capital Region it is inevitable you will be outside. Allow Thomas Pest Services’ mosquito services to reduce you and your families’ risk against mosquitoes, a public enemy. If you live in Clifton Park or elsewhere in the Capital Region and need assistance getting rid of mosquitoes or ticks, start here for a free estimate!