Field teams working to limit mosquito emergence

The Mosquito Research and Control Unit has been working very hard across the swamps and other isolated areas of Grand Cayman following a rise in larvae detected during routine monitoring.

Our field teams have carried out extensive treatments to reduce the expected emergence. While these efforts help keep the population as low as possible, it is not possible to stop an emergence completely. Based on the data collected and analysed, we forecast that the emergence will take place around Monday, 24 November.

Once the mosquitoes begin to appear as flying and biting adult mosquitoes, MRCU will shift its focus to adulticiding. This stage targets mosquitoes after they reach the adult stage, and our crews will work across the island to reduce numbers as quickly as possible. The data indicates that the emergence will be greater along the West Bay peninsula.

It normally takes MRCU a few days to bring the numbers down. We hope that weather conditions allow our aircraft to carry out treatment, as this usually helps us achieve faster results.

The species involved in this emergence is Aedes taeniorhynchus, commonly known as the black salt marsh mosquito. It does not breed in yards or around homes. This mosquito breeds mainly in the swamps and is considered a nuisance species rather than a threat to human health, as it does not transmit diseases to people.

However, Aedes taeniorhynchus can transmit heartworm to dogs. Pet owners are encouraged to speak with their veterinarians about appropriate preventive medication to protect their animals.