The most dangerous creature on earth can be found in California and it’s not what you might expect. It’s not a large or ferocious animal. It’s the mosquito, and it is already active in some parts of the state and will soon be in the remaining regions. According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), there are more than 50 species of mosquitoes in California. While mosquitoes are most active when temperatures get above 80 degrees, they may start to come out of hibernation once temperatures get above 50.
Unseasonably warm and wet January weather in the northern part of the state woke mosquitoes from their slumber early, and they’re already a nuisance as reported by KCRA in Sacramento. Mosquito season begins as early as February and wraps up in November along the coast and in southern California. In more inland and northern parts of the state, the traditional mosquito season runs March through September.
Mosquitoes are responsible for at least 700,000 deaths a year as they are carriers of a variety of diseases such as Malaria, Zika, and West Nile. West Nile Virus first appeared in California in 2003, and by 2004, all 58 counties were dealing with it. The CDC states that 8 out of 10 people who contract the West Nile virus will likely be unaware of it, while some may experience symptoms like fever, vomiting/diarrhea, and fatigue. About 1 in 150 will develop symptoms that can affect the central nervous system, leading to conditions like encephalitis or meningitis, and could potentially be fatal. In 2020, there were 402 human cases of West Nile in 34 of California’s counties, resulting in 17 deaths.
It’s important to note that not all mosquitoes carry West Nile. The mosquitoes that came out of hibernation early are not the type that carry West Nile, according to an expert from the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District.
Mosquitoes are considered the most dangerous creatures on earth. If you want to keep them away from your yard, there are plants that can help. Additionally, the Ada County Mosquito Abatement District offers various tips for protecting yourself from mosquito bites. A study by the University of Washington found that mosquitoes seem to be attracted to certain colors while ignoring others, which may prompt a rethink of your summer wardrobe.
The importance of taking measures to lower the risk of mosquito-borne diseases cannot be overstated.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25416369/STK473_NET_NEUTRALITY_CVIRGINIA_A.jpg "US goals TP-Hyperlink with a possible ban at the Chinese language routers")
