Apr 22, 2009 10:40 pm US/Central
New Mosquito In MN Could Make You Sleepy, Sick
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) ―
-
-
Japanese Rock Pool Mosquito
CBS
Until recently the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District was testing for 50 different types of mosquito. Now they have number 51, the Japanese rock pool mosquito. Experts say this mosquito has a mean streak.
"It's got some things kind of that concern us. One of the things is it likes to bite people. Not all mosquitoes do, but this one likes to bite people," said Mike McLean of the MMCD.
It can carry several diseases including Japanese encephalitis, which can in extreme cases, put its victim in a coma.
So far just small numbers of this mosquito have been found in southeastern Minnesota and the south metro. But because they are native to northern Japan and the Korean Peninsula, inspectors say they have the durability to thrive here in Minnesota.
"Their eggs will actually survive the winter and they will be available when we get those rain showers in the spring and summer," said McLean.
That's why they are taking action now. On Wednesday, crews dropped bacteria pellets into Twin Cities wetlands hoping to kill several kinds of mosquito larvae.
Inspectors say the Japanese rock pool mosquito likely won't be affected by these drops, which is why they will be getting a closer look on foot.
"What we really regret is having another mosquito species here that's good at biting people, that's good at spreading disease, so we want to make sure we keep a real close eye on it," said McLean.
The first place to look is in your backyard. Experts say these are "container" mosquitoes, which means they prefer to lay their eggs in containers with standing water. That's why they say now is the time to get rid of standing water in your backyard that may be inside five gallon pails and empty tires.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
