‘We are getting eaten alive’

Especially malicious invasive speciesThe mosquito, known as the Aedes aegypti mosquito, has invaded southern Utah.

What’s going on?

Salt Lake Tribune reported abundance of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes suddenly appearing in Washington County.

This invasive mosquito species is known to infest residential and urban areas, feed on humans (even biting the same person multiple times throughout the day, and sometimes multiple times), and carry a huge amount of bacteria. a number of diseasesIncluding Zika and West Nile virus.

Washington County residents are desperate to escape the occupation. Not only do these mosquitoes bite frequently, but when they do they can leave behind bruises and large red marks. Some people even went to the hospital because they did not know where these red spots on their bodies came from.

Said Sean Amodt, director of the Southwest Mosquito Abatement District. Salt Lake Tribune“The phrase we hear all the time from them is: ‘Help, we’re being eaten alive.'”

Exterminators use foggers and sprays to eliminate the problem, but finding the source of infestations can be difficult.

Why is this incident alarming?

Invasive species like these mosquitoes can cause a multitude of problems in their new environments, as evidenced by what happened in Utah.

When introduced to new ecosystems, invasive species tend to spread rapidly, destroying local ecosystems and native species, leaving them behind in vital resources. But the real danger when it comes to these invasive mosquitoes lies in their ability to spread a host of new diseases into the local ecosystem.

Vector-borne diseases, such as those spread by mosquitoes, can have long-term health consequences and can even be fatal. As the number of invasive mosquitoes increases in an area, the likelihood of people contracting these diseases increases.

While removing invasive species is important, protecting and prioritizing native wildlife and plant species, as well as their habitats, can help limit the spread of invasive species and deadly diseases, preserve natural resources, and even protect food sources.

What is being done about mosquito infestations in Utah?

As exterminators worked to clear the area of ​​mosquitoes, they also distributed public health pamphlets advising residents in infected neighborhoods to remove standing water and clean up outdoor clutter.

However, officials suspect that this mosquito species will remain in the region at least from May to November.

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