Estimated duration: 1-2 minutes
Murray — With spring just around the corner, Utah is already plagued with mosquitoes, and floods are expected to bring even more.
The Kennecott Nature Center on the Jordan River hasn’t had a mosquito problem in years, but not this year, according to wildlife officials.
“We are going to be very busy,” said Danielle McBride, assistant director of the Southern Salt Lake Valley Mosquito Mitigation District.
McBride explained that animals like fish and frogs that live in this natural wetland typically keep mosquito populations in check. However, this year the mosquitoes are coming out of hibernation and have more water for breeding.
“They naturally lay eggs in flooded areas, so we expect more flooded areas, so the numbers of these floodwater mosquitoes will be very high,” he said.
Also, these floodwater mosquitoes are more aggressive because they bite and hurt harder. Fortunately, they do not carry diseases that can harm humans.
McBride said the types of mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus look like permanent water sources or containers filled with water.
“Even an uncleaned bucket, a gutter, maybe an old horse trough, even a cup you forgot when you were playing outside. Get rid of that water,” he warned.
Meanwhile, the mosquito control team is working to remove standing water. And McBride warns homeowners to do the same.
“The problem isn’t necessarily the flood, it’s about two weeks after the flood. It’s all the places where the water settles and sits,” McBride said. “It’s a major breeding ground for mosquitoes.”
