WETHERSFIELD, CT (WFSB) - The state is battling an unusually high number of mosquitoes.
This is a direct consequence of the springtime weather patterns.
Mosquitoes are tied to water their entire lifecycle. They require standing water, which Connecticut had plenty of this season.
The state is coming off the third wettest May on record where it experienced over eight inches of rain.
On Monday, the CT Mosquito Management Program began monitoring mosquitoes for viruses, such as West Nile and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
However, there is a new and invasive mosquito which officials said are catching on at an alarming rate.
“Starting about 2013 [or] 2014, the numbers increased substantially, and we were collecting hundreds of them those years, and now we’re detecting thousands of them every year,” said Phillip Armstrong, Chief Scientist, CT Agricultural Experiment Station.
While many of these viruses peak later in the summer, EEE is more sporadic.
The conditions in early June have primed the environment for an earlier and more active mosquito population while also inviting new species.
“This species very much likes to feed on humans, it likes human blood. It is found in and around sort of disturbed habitats close to where people live. And it has a very irritating bite,” added Armstrong.
This has local residents concerned.
“Definitely with the new mosquito that might have a new sickness attached, that gets me worried so it’s just good to keep the repellent on we’re not going to just stay in the house, we have to enjoy outside and the weather but just be more aware,” said Kimberly Bailey from Rocky Hill.
To avoid mosquitoes, public health officials advised emptying standing water around the home.
They also suggested using EPA-recommended repellant containing DEET when outdoors, especially at dusk and dawn.
People were also advised to wear protective clothing, such as long socks, long pants, and loose fitted clothing.
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