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 Recent
rains will increase local mosquito populations, but
that doesn’t heighten the threat of West Nile
virus. “It is not the new mosquitoes that pose a
threat in the transmission of mosquito-borne
diseases like West Nile virus,” said Lucas Terracina,
Director, Calcasieu Parish Mosquito Control. “It is
the older generation.”
Terracina said he is most worried about mosquito
species that breed in containers of standing water.
Past surveys of parish neighborhoods showed that the
average household has about 14 containers around the
home capable of producing mosquitoes. “Those
production sites can be eliminated quickly and
easily, thus reducing mosquito populations, which
are not only a nuisance, but also a potential
disease threat,” Terracinna said.
Old tires, buckets, cans, and toys should be flushed
because they can collect rainwater and become
mosquito breeding grounds.
 Containers
such as birdbaths, flowerpots, and pet dishes
 should
be flushed every four days since the mosquito
development cycle is 7-10 days.
To report mosquito activity, call Calcasieu Parish
Mosquito Control at 437-3545. For more information
about mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit,
visit
www.lmca.us.
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