As the floodwaters in Texas and Florida recede, what's left is a perfect storm for growing mosquito populations. Although the heavy rains will have washed out many mosquitoes in both states, as the water levels recede, many pockets of standing water will remain.
Since the pesky insects can breed in as little as one inch of water, a spike in mosquito populations following both hurricanes is probable.
So what does that mean for Arkansas?
Depending on where a hurricane makes landfall in the United States, storms may travel up to the Natural State. Mosquito season is in full-swing until temperatures dip below 50 degrees consistently, which means we're not out of the woods quite yet in central Arkansas.
There are steps you can take to prevent mosquito breeding until the season is over. Here are some tips from MosquitoMagnet.com.
1. Cover potential water-collecting objects when not in use. Keep these items covered when you’re not using them, or overturn them to prevent mosquito access.
2. Be vigilant after rainstorms. Summer rains can create puddles and pools that are sure to attract mosquitoes. Patrol your property after every rainfall and take action to dry these wet areas whenever possible.
3. Keep your swimming pool clean. If you don’t use your pool for an extended period of time or fail to keep it clean, they’ll likely be drawn to the stagnating water.
4. Use Mosquito repellents. There are a number of commercially available mosquito repellent products you can use in an effort to deter mosquitoes. Citronella candles can sometimes work well in smaller, confined areas. Other options include sprays, coils, and bug zappers.
5. Use personal mosquito protection. When outdoors, cover as much of your body as possible with light-colored clothing. For some of the best insect repellents to keep mosquitoes at bay, read our story here.
