JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
As warmer weather approaches, mosquito season follows closely behind. The 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron entomology department at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, prepares to handle all pests that come along with that time of year.
Mosquito season falls between May and October, during which JBLE community members will see an increase of mosquitos that have the chances of carrying the West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis or Chikungunya.
"Anytime you're outside during the summer, there's a chance of being bit by mosquitoes no matter where you are," said Mitch Burcham, pest control technician assigned to the 633rd CES. "Wearing light clothing, long sleeves and DEET, the active ingredient in insect repellant, will decrease the chances of being bitten."
To limit breeding areas for mosquitoes, it's important to police yards for standing water, keeping it clean, keeping fresh water in animal bowls and emptying unused containers of liquid.
"We will be going out to survey potential breeding areas that consist of standing water, housing areas, containers, bird feeders and swimming pools," said James Watson, pest management supervisor assigned to the 633rd CES. "We will also be trapping mosquitos along with the 633d Medical Group Public Health office all summer to test different species for viruses they may be carrying."
Along with trapping, Burcham and Watson are prepared to utilize a fogger and spray to stop the breeding or amount of mosquitos with viruses. In order to use the fog or spray measures, 50 female mosquitos or 25 disease-carrying mosquitos must be in found in the same trap.
The most efficient deterrent for mosquito season is repellent with DEET of high concentration. If mosquito bites do occur, be cautious of flu like symptoms.
For more information, contact the 633d Aerospace Medicine Squadron Public Health office at 764-6731.