After feeding on birds for 5 months, mosquitoes in our area are now most likely to carry Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) or West Nile Virus (WNV).
EEE and WNV are the only two human diseases transmitted by mosquitoes here in Rhode Island. Both originate from our local bird population. Mosquitoes acquire these diseases from birds and can then transmit them to humans. EEE has a very high human mortality but is very rare. WNV has a very low human mortality but has become prevalent in all of our towns and cities since its establishment in Rhode Island in 2000.
The most effective way to reduce the risk of acquiring EEE and WNV is to reduce exposure to mosquitoes. Mosquitoes who bite are more prevalent at dawn and dusk. So, minimize outdoor activities at these times. Wearing protective clothing and using repellents containing DEET will also reduce risk. Finally, it is important to make sure your doors and windows have functioning screens, and you should prevent stagnant water from collecting around the home.
Are mosquitoes still rendering your backyard uninhabitable? Debug can help. We utilize a monthly protection plan to rid your yard of adult mosquitoes and their larvae. This plan runs from May-October, and each application can give you four weeks of relief.
