U.S. Mortgage Crisis Extends into Spring Causing Concerns for Increased Mosquito Populations and West Nile Virus

National Pest Management Association advises homeowners to be vigilant as temperatures begin to rise

April 8 (FAIRFAX, Va.) – From foreclosed homes to an inability to sell properties, the recent mortgage crisis in the United States has affected homeowners in myriad ways in the last year.  However, an unexpected consequence of the mortgage crisis is the effect of unoccupied, unkempt properties on neighborhoods, raising the potential for increased mosquito populations and heightening the prospect of West Nile Virus (WNV) cases in 2008. 

Vacant homes from foreclosures are often neglected and can fall into disrepair.  As properties with backyard swimming pools, birdbaths and overflowing gutters are left unchecked, neighborhoods may begin to see an increase in mosquitoes, especially as temperatures continue to rise.  In the western U.S., numerous foreclosed homes, coupled with the identification of several WNV-infected birds and the first human cases reported in late March, has led to escalated concern about the transmission of this potentially fatal disease.   

“Mosquitoes have long been considered a nuisance pest, but they do pose a major health threat to the public,” said Cindy Mannes, vice president of public affairs for National Pest Management Association (NPMA). “As foreclosure rates and temperatures both continue to rise, there is increased potential for mosquito breeding grounds to develop and go untreated in and around vacant homes.  Homeowners must be vigilant of pest problems on their own properties but also on the vacant properties near them." 

NPMA offers the following tips for mosquito prevention:

• Eliminate or reduce mosquito-breeding sites by replacing all standing water at least once a week. This includes birdbaths, ponds and swimming pools.
• Remove unneeded vegetation or trash from around any standing water sources that cannot be changed, dumped or removed.
• Introduce mosquito-eating fish such as gambusia, green sunfish, bluegills and minnows to standing water
• Screen windows, doors, and other openings with mesh.
• Use mesh that is 18X18 strands per inch, or finer.
• Seal around all screen edges; and keep doors and windows shut to prevent entry of most mosquito species.
• Avoid going outdoors when and where mosquitoes are most active: during dusk or dawn.
• Use repellent on exposed skin whenever and wherever mosquitoes are likely to bite. Check product labels for information on age restrictions to make sure they are safe for your toddler or infant.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long-legged pants, preferably treated with a repellent as well.
• If a mosquito breeding ground develops on a vacant property in your neighborhood, contact local officials to report this issue.
• If a mosquito breeding ground develops on your property, contact a licensed pest professional for a thorough inspection and treatment.
  

For more information about mosquitoes or to find a licensed pest professional in your local area, please visit www.pestworld.org or www.whatisipm.org.

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