After floods, soggy south Georgia fears spread of mosquitoes

Climate Signals Summary: Climate change is increasing extreme rainfall and flooding, which can create conditions where insects that spread vector-borne diseases, like mosquitoes, thrive. 

Article Excerpt: Recent flooding and heavy rains have left pockets of standing water throughout several South Georgia counties.

Dougherty County Environmental Control crews are working to make sure that doesn’t boost the number of mosquitoes.

“When water recedes from the flooding, it’s leaving water in the low-lying areas,” said Donell Mathis, the environmental control manager for Dougherty County.

The recent rain has left standing water as well.

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Mathis said his team aims to keep the number of mosquitoes that can pass harmful diseases to humans low.

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Whether you had flooding or just lots of rain recently, you have to take action.

“Pour out any standing water around homes: birdbaths, dog water dish, any buckets, any old tires,” Mathis said.

Getting rid of standing water gets rid of the breeding ground for the insects.

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Mathis said mosquito season typically starts around March and winds down around September.

That timeline depends on how much rain we get in the next several months.