Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
More aggressive breed of mosquito to emerge due to flood
By Hillary Gavan
Daily News staff writer
Rock County Health Departments warns of other hazards related to floodwaters
With the floodwaters filling parks, yards and streets, residents are going to contend with mosquitoes, contaminated wells and other safety issues.
In some areas of the county, water is entering basements, standing in yards and flowing over roadways.
The number of mosquitoes in Beloit will likely increase due to the floodwaters, according to Rock County Health Department Environmental Health Director Tim Banwell.
"It's going to be very bad compared to last year," Banwell said.
Banwell explained that the breed of mosquito to be increasing will be the floodwater mosquito. Although there are 50 breeds of mosquitoes in Wisconsin, Banwell said the floodwater mosquitoes are one of the more aggressive biters.
"They are the ones that swarm over you when you go in the woods," Banwell said.
The feisty insects hatch and thrive in moist and grassy areas. Although the floodwater mosquitoes will be hatched near the standing water, they will take flight and torment residents.
The northern house mosquitoes typically swarming around in the summer also will be breeding more because of all the standing water from the floods.
Banwell encourages residents to wear protective clothing such as long pants and long sleeve shirts when outdoors to avoid the risks of contracting West Nile Virus. While Banwell said there is no significant increased risk of West Nile Virus, he said it's best to be cautious.
Banwell also said to avoid shaded areas where mosquitoes may be resting and schedule activities when mosquitoes aren't the most active -- usually dawn and dusk. Yellow "Bug Lights" can be used on decks and patios because they do not attract mosquitoes like other incandescent lights. Mosquitoes are relatively weak fliers, so placing a large fan on the deck or patio can provide a solution.
Eliminating standing water is another key to preventing mosquitoes from breeding. Roof gutters and bird baths need to be cleaned out and recycling containers need holes drilled in the bottom of them.
Mosquitoes aren't the only danger. If a well has been covered by floodwaters or has been surrounded by water soaked ground, drinking water may be unsafe. It's best to only use water from a known safe source.
Residents may need to chlorinate their wells before using. For testing information contact the Rock County Health Department at (608)757-5441 or the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene at (800)441-4618.
The Rock County Health Department also is urging residents to stay away from floodwater if possible. Both children and adults can become ill from coming in contact with contaminated water or can be injured or become entangled in areas where hidden obstacles are underwater. Flooding can also cause the ground to shift and sink.
Often floodwaters that look calm on top have rushing water beneath the surface. Six inches of moving water can knock someone off his or her feet, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Children and adults in city streets have drowned by being sucked into floodwaters draining into storm sewers.
Flood safety
The following precautions should be taken when driving:
Drivers need to pay close attention to signs placed in areas where water covers the road. Slow down and proceed cautiously unless the road is barricaded or water is rushing over the road. High water can cause your car to hydroplane or to stall out.
Never drive past barricaded road signs or where there is water over the road. Driving through rushing water is the number one cause of loss of life during floods. If your car stalls in a flooded area, abandon it as soon as possible and walk to safety in the direction from which you came.
Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to your utility company or your local emergency manager.
With the floodwaters filling parks, yards and streets, residents are going to contend with mosquitoes, contaminated wells and other safety issues.
In some areas of the county, water is entering basements, standing in yards and flowing over roadways.
The number of mosquitoes in Beloit will likely increase due to the floodwaters, according to Rock County Health Department Environmental Health Director Tim Banwell.
"It's going to be very bad compared to last year," Banwell said.
Banwell explained that the breed of mosquito to be increasing will be the floodwater mosquito. Although there are 50 breeds of mosquitoes in Wisconsin, Banwell said the floodwater mosquitoes are one of the more aggressive biters.
"They are the ones that swarm over you when you go in the woods," Banwell said.
The feisty insects hatch and thrive in moist and grassy areas. Although the floodwater mosquitoes will be hatched near the standing water, they will take flight and torment residents.
The northern house mosquitoes typically swarming around in the summer also will be breeding more because of all the standing water from the floods.
Banwell encourages residents to wear protective clothing such as long pants and long sleeve shirts when outdoors to avoid the risks of contracting West Nile Virus. While Banwell said there is no significant increased risk of West Nile Virus, he said it's best to be cautious.
Banwell also said to avoid shaded areas where mosquitoes may be resting and schedule activities when mosquitoes aren't the most active -- usually dawn and dusk. Yellow "Bug Lights" can be used on decks and patios because they do not attract mosquitoes like other incandescent lights. Mosquitoes are relatively weak fliers, so placing a large fan on the deck or patio can provide a solution.
Eliminating standing water is another key to preventing mosquitoes from breeding. Roof gutters and bird baths need to be cleaned out and recycling containers need holes drilled in the bottom of them.
Mosquitoes aren't the only danger. If a well has been covered by floodwaters or has been surrounded by water soaked ground, drinking water may be unsafe. It's best to only use water from a known safe source.
Residents may need to chlorinate their wells before using. For testing information contact the Rock County Health Department at (608)757-5441 or the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene at (800)441-4618.
The Rock County Health Department also is urging residents to stay away from floodwater if possible. Both children and adults can become ill from coming in contact with contaminated water or can be injured or become entangled in areas where hidden obstacles are underwater. Flooding can also cause the ground to shift and sink.
Often floodwaters that look calm on top have rushing water beneath the surface. Six inches of moving water can knock someone off his or her feet, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Children and adults in city streets have drowned by being sucked into floodwaters draining into storm sewers.
Flood safety
The following precautions should be taken when driving:
 |
 |
|
| Beloit water safe to drink | Hendricks Development Group director of real estate to leave |
Article Rating
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of beloitdailynews.com.
Submit a Comment
Login below to post your comment. |
Not yet a member? Use the form below to register. |
