Happy Earth Day!

If you’re wondering what mosquitoes have to do with Earth day, look a little deeper. Mosquitoes depend on the environment just like you and I.

For example, did you know that picking up litter isn’t just good for the environment, it can actually help prevent mosquito problems? It’s true: litter and other debris can clog drainage, creating standing water where mosquitoes can breed. Litter like discarded cups, cans, bottles, and even bottle caps can even hold water, creating the kind of man-made habitat that invasive Aedes mosquitoes love. Getting rid of litter helps keep our communities healthy and prevents mosquito-borne diseases that can make people very sick.

Since mosquitoes love warm weather, experts say that climate change may cause mosquitoes to expand their range, remain active more of the year, or reproduce in greater numbers. This could allow mosquito-borne diseases to show up in places where they aren’t normally found or affect more people. Some experts say this is probably already happening. It’s important that we take good care of our planet by reducing greenhouse gas emissions to avoid even greater spread of mosquito-borne disease.

So if you’ll be joining in any Earth Day celebrations this weekend, thanks! We can all do our part in reducing the impact of mosquito-borne disease in our communities.