By Cory Sekine-Pettite
According to a recent report, Georgia ranks as one of the worst states when it comes to mosquito populations and the health risks associated with disease transmission from mosquito bites. The study collected rainfall data, temperature, mosquito species, and West Nile virus cases in the United States from sources such as the National Centers for Environmental Information, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Population Review, and Google Trends.
Florida tops the list with 7.13 inches of summer rainfall and an average temperature of 81 degrees. And reportedly, residents must contend with 80 mosquito species! So, it’s no surprise our neighbors to the south lead the country in online mosquito prevention searches, with 1,457 per 100,000 people. On the bright side, West Nile virus cases there are low, at just 0.08 per 100,000.
Georgia ranks fifth in this study, with 4.71 inches of rainfall and temperatures averaging 78.7 degrees. There are 63 species of mosquitoes here, but the West Nile virus rate is low at 0.48 per 100,000. Even though the health risk is lower, people are still searching for mosquito prevention tips, with 1,450.57 searches per 100,000. It’s a moderate problem, but people are staying proactive, the study finds.
In researching this topic a bit more, I learned that we have more than 200 different species of mosquito in the continental United States. What?! Fortunately, for us, the CDC says only 12 species are disease carriers. Still, what is the point of them? Yes, I know they are pollinators but come on. It seems their true purpose is to annoy humans. They are pervasive around my home, even though I pay for specific mosquito control service. During the warm months, I cannot enter or exit my home without being targeted, though these pests seem to enjoy attacking my wife more than me. At times, it can be difficult to enjoy the outdoors at all during spring and summer. I guess the downside to living in a warmer climate is that the biting insects want to live here, too. As that mosquito study’s data points out, if these bugs are just too much for you, the Pacific Northwest and Alaska are nice places to be.
