Now that the rain has (mostly) gone and the floodwaters have receded in Lennox, we are dealing with a familiar aftermath: MOSQUITOES! While an important part of any ecosystem, these particular insects can wreak havoc on public health. Malaria is no longer much of a concern in the developed world, diseases like West Nile and Zika remain a concern to public health agencies. In fact, South Dakota has been reported as having one of the highest incidences of West Nile Virus neuroinvasive disease cases in the United States. Just last week, South Dakota reported its first West Nile case of the year, with more to be expected. Even without the risks to public health, mosquitoes can make spending an otherwise beautiful South Dakota summer evening into a miserable experience!
To help control the mosquito population, the City of Lennox has been regularly monitoring the weather and fogging for mosquitoes as frequently as conditions allow. This is a fairly simple process; streets crews use a truck-mounted fogging machine that allows employees to distribute a cloud of insecticide (PCT 3-15 ULV) into the air, treating nearby surfaces. Crews will drive down each street, in each direction, distributing the insecticide as widely as possible. Crews have also been treating park areas with this insecticide, and have been distributing other insecticides into drainage areas prone to standing water. Efforts to control mosquito populations are expected to continue throughout the summer.
Even with this equipment and insecticide, it is important to know that only so much can be done from a City street. Mosquitoes spend their time and reproduce in yards, flower gardens, and other landscaping features. As such, the City encourages residents to take steps to control the mosquito population on private property in addition to steps being taken on public property. A variety of natural and chemical applications are available for mosquito control from local vendors. If you are uncomfortable with the use of insecticides in your yard, please consider following standard precautions, available from the South Dakota Department of Health:
SPRAY: Use mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535, following label directions and precautions carefully.
WATER: Remove all standing water from your yard.
ARMS: Cover exposed skin with long sleeves and long pants.
TIME: Take caution at dawn and dusk due to increased mosquito activity.
By combining City efforts with individual action, Lennox residents can better manage the mosquito population, keep diseases like West Nile at a minimum, and enjoy a more pleasant summer!
*Thank you to Anita Bharadwaja, SD Department of Health, for contributing to this article!