NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — As warmer weather and sunny skies return to Middle Tennessee, so does an insect that is not only considered a nuisance, but one of the deadliest animals in the world. .
Mosquitoes typically begin appearing in the United States in May after hibernating during the colder months. However, as temperatures rise across the country, pest control companies like Terminix say mosquitoes are starting to appear earlier and for longer periods.
West Nile Virus Presence Widespread Throughout Davidson County, Department of Health Says
Some places naturally have a higher mosquito population than others due to environmental factors such as humidity. A study by Terminix identified the 50 most “mosquito-infested” cities in the United States, and two of them are in Tennessee.
Memphis was ranked the 13th most mosquito-infested city in the country and Nashville was just a few spots behind as the 16th most mosquito-infested city. The list was generated using service data from more than 300 Terminix branches located across the country.
The top-ranked cities on the list are those where residents used the most mosquito control services in 2023. Based on this data, the five cities most affected by mosquitoes were Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, Atlanta and Philadelphia.
Above Memphis and Nashville were also several major Florida metropolitan areas, including Tampa, Orlando, and Miami. At the bottom of the list were Birmingham, Ft. Myers, Baton Rouge, Waco, Seattle and Tallahassee.
West Nile virus detected in mosquitoes caught in southeast Nashville
Those looking to avoid mosquitoes as much as possible should consider moving to Maine, Idaho, Iowa, Nevada, or Nebraska, as the study found these states have the fewest mosquitoes.
Not only are mosquitoes annoying, but they can also pose health and safety risks to people because they carry diseases like West Nile virus and Zika virus. Reported cases of West Nile virus in the United States tripled between 2020 and 2021, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Nashville dealt with its own spread of the virus last year, with West Nile detected in nearly 75% of mosquito traps placed around Davidson County in August. A spokesperson for the metro area public health department said that number was higher than in previous years.
Part of the reason could be a particularly rainy summer. However, no human cases have been reported in the city. According to the Department of Health, the last positive human case in Nashville was reported around 2019.
Study: Mosquito season is getting longer
EPA data indicates that West Nile virus cases in the United States vary widely from year to year, with no obvious long-term trend. Human infections are quite rare, but the illness can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, fatigue and vomiting.
Some patients also experience more severe damage to their central nervous system, causing encephalitis, meningitis, and sometimes death. In rare cases, the disease can also cause neurological problems, according to the CDC.
Residents can take steps to protect themselves by reducing or eliminating all standing water in their yards, cutting back invasive vegetation, and making sure their windows and doors are screened.
According to Dr. Sydney Crawley, senior vector scientist at Terminix, mosquitoes can breed in as little as a tablespoon of water, so it’s “imperative to drain all forms of standing water to control mosquitoes.” “.
Gutters and garden decorations like fountains, birdbaths and flower pots are all common mosquito breeding sites.
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Limiting time spent outdoors at dusk and night, when mosquitoes are most present in Davidson County, can also help prevent bites, in addition to wearing mosquito repellent and shirts, pants and socks long sleeved.
According to Crawley, dark colors are generally more attractive to mosquitoes, making lighter-colored clothing ideal. It’s also important to note that some repellents work best on the skin, while others work best when applied directly to clothing.
To learn more about mosquito control in Davidson County, call 615-340-5660. More information can also be found by by clicking here.
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