A Culex mosquito. Four out of the seven varieties of
Culex living in Indiana are known to carry the West Nile
virus. The female lays between 200-300 eggs, which
hatch within 2-3 days and become adults after one week.
(Wikimedia - Public Domain)
One week after its initial confirmation of West Nile virus activity in the Indianapolis area, the Marion County Health Department reports additional sites are now testing positive for disease-carrying mosquitoes.
An August 12 press release states the following testing locations have returned positive results:
- 3000 block of East Orange Street, Center Township
- 4000 block of East 21st Street, Center Township
- 2700 block of South Bellmont, Center Township
- 5900 block of South Oakcrest Drive, Franklin Township
- 8500 block of Shelbyville Road, Franklin Township
- 5400 block of Bogey Drive, Lawrence Township
- 9000 block of Shady Tree Lane, Lawrence Township
- 10000 block of East 75th Street, Lawrence Township
- 3800 block of West Southport Road, Perry Township
- 4900 block of South Meridian Street, Perry Township
- 600 block of Dudley Road, Perry Township
- 7200 block of Fishback Road, Pike Township
- 1800 block of Caribbean Drive, Warren Township
- 8000 block of North Illinois, Washington Township
- 3200 block of East 48th Street, Washington Township
- 8900 block of Pickwick Drive, Washington Township
- Butler University, Washington Township
- 7900 block of Oceanline Drive, Wayne Township
- 1100 block of Holt Road, Wayne Township
- 2000 block of Bridgeport Road, Wayne Township
Health officials advise all Indianapolis area residents to take precautions against mosquitoes, such as wearing repellant and emptying containers containing standing water, since mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus are likely present throughout the entire county.
No human infections of West Nile virus have been confirmed at this time.
Controlling the mosquito population around the home
Mosquitoes require water while developing from larvae to adult. It does not take much water to make a mosquito happy, however. Technicians with Marion County’s Mosquito Control found mosquito larvae inside a discarded drink cup that contained only two teaspoons of water.
A typical Indianapolis area yard can contain dozens of areas and items that mosquitoes consider prime breeding ground. Items such as clogged gutters, birdbaths, kiddie pools, pet bowls, potted plants, and unused tires should be cleared of standing water at least once per week to prevent mosquito eggs from hatching and maturing into adult mosquitoes.
Indianapolis area residents who have questions or need help with mosquitoes can contact the Marion County Health Department’s Mosquito Control at 317-221-7440. This division of the health department offers a variety of free mosquito control services and solutions to local residents.
Video: WISH-TV 8 Indianapolis news coverage of the Marion County Health Department's initial confirmation of West Nile virus activity in local mosquitoes last week
Related information:
-
West Nile virus discovered in Marion County - What is West Nile virus and what are the symptoms?
- As the temperature rises, so does the risk of mosquito-transmitted West Nile virus
- Indiana health officials offer tips on how to control mosquitoes and prevent bites
- Old tires are prime breeding ground for mosquitoes
- Eastern Equine Encephalitis found in Indiana mosquitoes
Comments
Gotta remember the big spray!
Those aren't mosquitoes mating in the photo.
Time for the bug spray!
Just got back from vacation, catching up on PVs!
Third culture kids examiner
Seattle stay-at-home moms examiner
Those pesky skitters are out and about here. The actually burn they are so nasty. Already stocked up on yard spray.
Glad that they are testing the area...this is important...maybe they can get the numbers under some sort of control.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Al. The photographer, who lives in Mexico, had the photo labeled as mosquitoes. Either he made a mistake or Mexican mosquitoes look a little different. Either way, I've changed the photo to one all Indiana residents know far too well.
I believe the whole country will be dealing with these mosquitoes. Good article.
Good updates for affected areas, as well as tips for everyone.
With all of the recent rains, this problem is only going to worsen.
Need to watch out as we are getting extremely hot humid weather too.
Still trying to figure out why GOD made mosquitos!
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