Las Vegas' growing mosquito problem is 'a ticking time bomb'
Las Vegas' growing mosquito problem is 'a ticking time bomb'
www.nbcnews.com
Las Vegas' growing mosquito problem is 'a ticking time bomb'
The insects are not only a nuisance, but they also pose a major threat of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and West Nile virus.
If at one time it was thought mosquitoes couldn’t survive in desert climates, this city is a case study in how wrong that is.
Mosquitoes typically prefer more tropical, humid conditions, but these biting machines have exploded in number throughout the Las Vegas Valley in recent years because of a host of changes.
A mix of urban development, climate change, insecticide resistance and genetic adaptations are creating a more hospitable environment for the insects in southern Nevada.
Okay I KNEW I wasn't nuts. I've seen a few of these things in the house and was puzzled as to how the heck they had any place to breed much less get here in the first place.
Immediately made sure there was no standing water on our property and haven't seen more...
... However, I have seen at least two or three dragonflies a day on my drive to work! Which is also new! But surely a welcome sight because they're freaking awesome and chow down on bloodsuckers!
Actually dragonflies eat their eggs if I'm not mistaken. Certainly very welcome and sadly one of the few (tiger) mosquito enemies.