Easter weekend may bring a greater quantity of mosquitoes across all three islands due to heavy rains earlier in the month, according to an advisory from the Mosquito Research and Control Unit.
Rainfall on 7 April and accompanying high tides caused flooding in low-lying areas, MRCU explained.
“These flooded areas are perfect places for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. Normally, mosquitoes start to hatch and become adults about 10 to 11 days after flooding, so we expect to see more mosquitoes by mid-April,” the unit said in a press release.
In response, MRCU is carrying out control operations to lessen the impact.
“You may notice our aircraft and fogging trucks carrying out operations more frequently until we are confident that the mosquito numbers are lower,” said MRCU, adding that “a special substance that kills mosquito larvae” has been spread.
“MRCU will continue treating areas across all islands over the next week. But even with these efforts, we still expect more mosquitoes to appear from 18th April,” the unit added.
Easter-weekend campers are encouraged to use insect repellents with DEET or picaridin; wear long-sleeved clothing, especially around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active; and to use mosquito nets if sleeping outdoors.
Reports of increased mosquito biting should be made to [email protected] with details of the time and location.
MRCU offers updates on its operations through various social media channels.
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