Controlling Mosquitoes After a Hurricane

Hurricanes often cause severe flooding which can result in a dramatic increase in mosquito populations. The scale of these disasters is sometimes so large that the only possible response for mosquito control professionals to take is aerial adulticide operations using aircrafts. These large-scale emergency responses are typically conducted in cooperation between multiple state and federal agencies as well as with Mosquito Control Districts and contracted aerial applicators.

Depending on what time of year a hurricane occurs, the threat from mosquito-borne diseases can also increase significantly. According to the CDC, viruses that can be transmitted by mosquitoes may increase anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months after a hurricane, especially in the warm summer months. Extensive flooding and residual standing water left behind by hurricanes creates an ideal breeding ground for many species of mosquito, both those that can vector diseases as well as those that are primarily considered nuisance mosquitoes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also mentions that, “because people spend more time outside cleaning up after a hurricane or flood, they are more likely to be bitten by nuisance mosquitoes.” This includes not only residents within the affected area, but also the emergency responders, public utility workers and construction crews. Everyone who must work outside in the aftermath of a hurricane or flood event is encouraged to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and apply an insect repellent containing DEET to help combat getting bitten.

To aid in these situations, mosquito control professionals can turn to products with extended residual control, such as those containing the insect growth regulator (IGR) S-methoprene. In localized areas, or once floodwaters from the hurricane have become more manageable in scope, granular and briquet larvicide formulations that offer long-term control of mosquitoes become an essential tool for mitigating the ongoing mosquito problem.

Central Life Sciences proudly offers the industry’s most comprehensive lineup of mosquito control solutions, including residual larvicides such as Altosid® and Duplex™-G.

Learn more about our products here.