The news of the mosquito invasion hit the press on Friday. The Prediction? A nasty mosquito season is headed our way.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, University of Florida bug scientists are raising warning flags about Psorophora ciliata, known popularly as “gallinippers.” UF entomologist Phillip Kaufman said the monster mosquitoes are common to the entire eastern half of the U.S., but Florida’s summer tropical rain has the potential to help yield huge populations.
Gallinippers deposit their eggs in the soil, where they can lie dormant for years in dry weather. But when rainwater accumulates in low-lying areas those eggs hatch.
The number of mosquitoes we can expect in Central Florida this year depends entirely on how wet our summer will be but generally is impossible to predict, Kaufman said. The best way to avoid bites is to stay indoors during dusk and dawn and wear repellent with DEET, which can also prevent disease from other mosquito varieties.
So here’s the good news:
- These mosquitoes don’t occur in large numbers
- They are not known to spread disease
- They have been known to eat other mosquito larvae
- They usually die within a week
But unfortunately, there’s also bad news:
- These mosquitoes are LARGE, typically about the size of a quarter or 20 times the size of a regular mosquito
- They are vicious biters and can leave nasty wounds
- They are known to emerge after midsummer rain
- They typically feed on mammalian blood
One way to decrease the population of these pests and all mosquitoes around your home or business is to have a Mosquito Abatement program in place. Learn more about our programs and schedule a free inspection today!