GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands – An increase in activity of the black salt marsh mosquito has been attributed to recent high tides which caused flooding in the mangroves.
Based on this, the Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) says that a second peak in high tides is also expected to result in a further “large emergence of biting mosquitoes during the first week of May”.
The high tides and mangrove-area flooding, which started on April 3, resulted in high numbers of mosquitoes emerging 10-14 days later, the MRCU said in a statement .
Then, on April 20, tides increased again, leading to more flooding of the mosquito-breeding areas.
According to the unit, it identified flooded areas harbouring mosquito larvae and was conducting control operations to minimise the biting nuisance expected next week.
The MRCU said it would be conducting aerial and ground fogging operations to bring the mosquito emergence back under control.
“The team is sympathetic to the distress this causes to residents of these areas and advise its operations should bring some relief for residents,” the MRCU said.
The public has been advised to remain indoors as much as is possible during the peak biting period of this mosquito, between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. (local time), and to wear mosquito repellent when outdoors. (CMC)
