Recent Mid-Missouri flooding to create mosquito concerns

With the recent rain in Mid-Missouri gone, we could become the target of mosquitoes earlier than normal. Floodwaters across the state, warmer weather and increasing humidity create the perfect conditions for mosquitoes to breed.

Eric Stann with the Columbia/Boone County Health Department says even a capful of water can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes and that it’s too hard to tell just how the recent rains will affect mosquitoes across the state. He stressed that precautions should be taken starting now to protect yourself from the pesky insects and the annoying itch that comes from their bites.

“We try to actively educate the community on working on prevention tips to help eliminate standing water because it’s imperative to do so to prevent mosquitoes from breeding,” Stann said.

The health department recommends getting rid of standing water around your house and keeping your yard clean. If you come across standing water that you can’t get rid of you can use products such as mosquito dunks to kill the larvae for up to 30 days.

“The main thing for folks to do is wear insect repellent, especially during dawn and dusk when they are most active,” Stan said.

Over the coming weeks, the health department says, residents of Columbia will likely see the city treating known areas of standing water with larvicide.