Winter Won’t Wipeout Zika
The basic answer is no, but it certainly won’t hurt. The Zika virus is currently one of the most feared of any of the mosquito-borne illnesses, joining the well-known likes of dengue fever and the West Nile Virus. Orlando pest control will need to remain vigilant through the winter months to keep Aedes aegypti (the mosquito species associated primarily with transmission of the virus) at bay. Experts at Apex are on the frontlines of this fight and, with our local knowledge and tools, expect to be leaders in the field of mosquito control.
Although the winter months certainly won’t wipe out the Zika virus, this time of year is certainly less threatening in terms of mosquitoes in general. The dry season combined with cooler temperatures lead to a fairly drastic decrease in mosquito activity (it’s notable that many municipalities and counties stop spraying this time of year). However, mosquitoes are certainly resilient to a Florida winter, and with temperatures that range from the 70s to 80s (with occasional cold snaps in between), they can certainly continue to thrive and survive. Certain areas, particularly south of Orlando and around year-round swampland, have mosquito issues at all times of the year. It’s important to remain just as cautious with your mosquito prevention techniques (repellent, emptying standing water) all the time in Florida.
Zika virus research is still in early stages, and this can lead to some surprises. The virus itself, as all do, has mutated over time to make it more conducive to hosts. This means that the ways in which Zika can be transmitted, as well as the effect it has on the human body, will change over time. It’s a key thing to keep in mind. One study published recently by scientists at the University of Texas Medical Branch found that Zika can be transmitted from mosquitoes to larvae: ensuring the viruses continued presence even through a brutally cold winter that wipes out most adult mosquitoes. Current knowledge of this form of mosquito to larvae transfer appears to show it to be rare, but with the rate Aedes aegypti reproduce at, this could still lead to widespread problems.
The biggest point to take away from all of this is that good mosquito practice during a Florida winter helps when the summer months come around, a time we know the Zika virus has the potential to once again reignite. Habits are useful in this sense. It also helps to have the experts in Orlando pest control at Apex on your side during the year-round fight with Florida’s most problematic insect. With years of experience and know-how, our technicians can help make your property more secure from mosquitoes at any time of the year. Contact us at (866) 675-4070. We offer a free no obligation quote and visit and will always get back to you within 24 hours.
