Mosquitoes multiply after wet weather

Get ready to start swatting.

Fred Koehle, the operations manager for Richmond County Mosquito Control, said recent wet weather has caused an emergence of mosquitoes.

"We've had complaints about neglected swimming pools and foreclosed or abandoned houses' swimming pools that become breeding grounds for mosquitoes," he said. "These pools produce mosquitoes as rapidly as corn growing in Iowa."

Mr. Koehle said female mosquitoes lay eggs on a continual basis. In water the size of a quarter, a mosquito can lay anywhere from 75 to 100 eggs. Eggs can hatch within four to seven days if they are in enough water. If they don't hatch, they can remain viable for as long as four years, Mr. Koehle said.

He said there have not been any reported cases of West Nile virus or other mosquito-borne diseases in Augusta this summer. However, he said July, August and September are the most dangerous months for catching such diseases and urged caution for anyone planning outdoor activities.

"The worst times for mosquitoes outdoors are about one hour before and after sunrise and about one hour before and after sunset," Mr. Koehle said

People outdoors should wear a mosquito repellent that contains the chemical DEET, he said. Anyone not wanting to use chemicals on the skin can apply products such as eucalyptus oil, which is available in pharmacies, or Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard, Mr. Koehle said.

Mr. Koehle said the Apple Valley and Aragon Park neighborhoods tend to have a high number of mosquitoes because they have some neglected homes and items in the yard that collect water. He also said Apple Valley has many ditches and storm drains that are breeding areas for mosquitoes.

Other areas also are prone to the pests.

"Anytime you get close to Phinizy Swamp, you will have mosquitoes everywhere," Mr. Koehle said.

He said mosquito control has received funding from the Augusta Commission to spray vegetation in parks and areas downtown, and officials plan to begin doing so soon. He says the water-based spray will protect against mosquito breeding for as long as 21 days.

Mosquito control will also be treating storm drains downtown with a granular treatment. Mr. Koehle said mosquitoes like to go to storm drains to hide out when the weather gets too harsh. Treating the drains will help kill off mosquito larvae before they reach adulthood.

He said one of the best ways to reduce the number of mosquitoes is to eliminate standing water on your property, including disposing of such things as old tires.

He said putting salt in tires can prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs in them.

Reach Jonathan Overstreet at (706) 823-3708 or jonathan.overstreet@augustachronicle.com.