With Several parishes in Louisiana covered in flood water, experts are saying residents can expect to see some unwanted friends.
Over the past two weeks, Louisiana has seen 18-24 inches of rain, leaving large amounts of standing water.
Mosquito Control Contractors Owner, Glen Stokes tells KLFY’s Carly Laing, the recent weather conditions are ideal for mosquito breeding.
“It’s the perfect storm for mosquito numbers.”
Stokes says mosquito thrive in pools of water and with flood waters hanging around he says you can expect to see mosquitoes soon.
“With the flooding rain that occurred over a week ago, those mosquitoes are going to start emerging in seven to ten days. And with the rain we had yesterday and the rain we are supposed to have today, they are going to hatch in another seven to ten days so we will have what we call several brews.”
While the Zika virus is not in Acadiana, Stokes says they are taking early precautions.
“We will immediately direct spray and inspections to any disease spots. There is no indication of disease in birds, horses or humans right now.”
Stokes tells News 10, they are prepared to take the mass of mosquitoes expected.
“We are going to do maximum spraying. The state has plans, the individual mosquito control districts have plans, so we are as prepared as we could ever be.”
Although Louisiana weather can be unpredictable, Stokes says, as of now, they predict a heavy mosquito season.
He adds a reminder to residents to follow the five D’s.
- Drainage- Check for drainage in your yard.
- DEET- Use DEET repellants.
- Dress- Dress in long shirts and pants when near mosquito areas.
- Dusk- Avoid dusk when mosquitos are active
- Dawn- Avoid Dawn when mosquitos are active.
