The mosquitoes that carry dengue fever virus are difficult to avoid, and that makes them dangerous.
The mosquito’s name is Aedes aegypti [A-dees Egypt –eye], and it carries diseases like dengue fever, which has been found in Hillsborough County this summer.
Here’s what makes the Aedes aegypti a dangerous threat:
- Daytime biter. While many mosquitoes only bite at sunrise and sunset, the Aedes aegypti will keep biting hours after the sun comes up and will start looking for victims hours before the sun goes down.
- Prefers Human Victims. Some mosquitoes only bite reptiles and others only like the blood in birds, but the Aedes aegypti craves human blood and it knows how to be near humans so it can bite.
- Stealthy. Aedes aegypti fly low where you can’t hear them and prefer to bite at feet and ankles.
- Breed Near People. Aedes aegypti lay their eggs in small containers that humans leave around the house like buckets, potted plants, and even an upside down frisbee on the porch.
- Hungry. Aedes aegypti will bite multiple people during a breeding cycle, which means they are likely to spread diseases from person to person.
Here’s what Hillsborough residents can do to stay safe from Aedes aegypti:
Drain water from outdoor areas to reduce the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed.
- Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots, or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected
- Discard old tires, bottles, pots, broken appliances, and other items not being used
- Empty and clean birdbaths and pet water bowls at least twice a week
- Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that do not accumulate water
- Maintain swimming pools in good condition and keep them chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
Cover with protective clothing while outdoors and keep doors and windows closed to prevent mosquitoes from going indoors.
- Wear shoes, socks, long pants, long sleeves, and loose clothing while outdoors when and where mosquitoes are most prevalent to make it hard for mosquitoes to bite through and to discourage mosquitoes from biting.
- Check and repair screens on doors and windows. Keep them closed and use air conditioning when possible.
