West Nile Virus In Connecticut 2018
West Nile Virus Positive Mosquitoes found in several Connecticut towns. Each year The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station traps, identifies, and tests mosquitoes for viruses such as West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus, Zika Virus, and Jamestown Canyon Virus. Scientists conduct a statewide surveillance program annually. Research identified the American robin as a favorite host for some mosquitoes and is an important carrier of the West Nile virus. Other findings revealed that Culex salinarius, a mosquito that breeds in brackish and fresh water, is the probable “bridge vector” moving the virus from birds to mammals. Research is done annually, and the findings is reported via scientific papers and local news. In 2018 there were several towns in which mosquitoes carrying West Nile were identified, later in the month 5 more towns were noted, and in the following weeks even more towns were listed.
I will include a link to The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) website, as well as to the findings for 2018.
The danger of these mosquitoes is not over yet, summer is still in full swing and scientists are still collecting samples for testing. More towns may show mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus, so make sure you check back regularly to see if your town is listed
If you don’t already have treatment in place to protect you and your family from potential West Nile Virus carrying mosquitoes, you may want to think about starting treatment. We have a program called Yard Guard, (https://www.guardian-pest.com/mosquito-services/mosquito-treatment-plans/) where we treat mosquito resting and breeding areas, as well as your perimeter and property foliage. The treatment also covers ticks. You can call today for a free quote for treatment.
If you already use our Yard Guard program, make sure you finish the season in full. The end of summer and fall is when the ticks breed and lay eggs which will emerge the following Spring.
Link to CAES: http://www.ct.gov/caes/site/default.asp
Link to CAES 2018 findings: http://www.ct.gov/caes/cwp/view.asp?a=2819&q=603430
Link to CAES 2018 map: https://www.ct.gov/caes/lib/caes/images/mosquito_testing/2018/wnv_august1.png
