They are after blood. Mosquitoes are thick this year across Canadian and Kingfisher counties and Piedmont. A cool and wet spring has helped boost their populations.
It was the excessive amounts of rainfall in June that has helped the mosquito outbreak, said Kyle Worthington, Oklahoma State University Extension educator in El Reno.
Reports of mosquitoes being thick have been made from all parts of the county this year.
Worthington said parts of the county had 8 to 10 inches of rain in just three weeks of time.
“The excessive rain has caused a lot of standing water on and around properties,” Worthington said.
Mosquitoes find bar ditches, low-lying places with ponding water, even pet bowls that are not changed frequently to lay their eggs.
“We’re seeing a flush of them right now because of all the standing water,” Worthington said.
City and town crews around the county spray from time to time.
“There are perfect conditions right now for mosquitoes,’ Worthington said.
Mosquitoes might also get into any old tires that have water. People are urged to avoid being outside at dawn and dusk and wear clothes that cover the skin and use mosquito repellent.
Property owners can use pumps to drain ponding water in low-lying areas, Worthington said.
Also, people should mow grass and keep brush under control. Mosquitoes like tall weeds to live in.
Mosquitoes can spread heartworms in domestic pets such as dogs. Mosquitoes also can give West Niles virus to humans. Mosquito-borne diseases also can affect horses and livestock.
City of Yukon crews treat ponds and areas of standing water for mosquitoes in summer months, a city spokeswoman reports. Mosquito dunks are used to put in water to kill larvae.
City of Piedmont crews did not have immediate plans to spray for mosquitoes this week, a spokeswoman said. County crews do not spray roadways either, Worthington said.
Dr. Rhys Cole, Piedmont veterinarian, was busy with calls this week at the Piedmont Veterinary Clinic, 101 Monroe Avenue NE. Cole can be reached at (405) 373-1909.
