2009 Mosquito Report: Week 40
Report based on data collected from traps deployed on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 and retrieved on Thursday, October 1, 2009. Report prepared by John Smith, Chan Suom, M.S., and Nate Boonisar.
1. Current mosquito activity/trend
CDC Light Traps:
CDC traps throughout Norfolk County indicate average levels of host-seeking mosquito activity with the following towns showing lower than average activity: Canton, Holbrook, Medway, Milton, Plainville, Sharon, Weymouth, and Wrentham.
Gravid Traps:
Gravid traps throughout Norfolk County also indicate average levels of gravid mosquito activity with the following towns reporting lower than average activity: Avon, Dedham, Franklin, Millis, Milton, Needham, Norwood, Quincy, and Westwood.
2. Current Predominant Species
CDC Light Traps:
CDC trap collections were sparse for this week. The most common mosquito species collected was Culiseta melanura.
Gravid Traps:
Gravid trap collections were also low. Ochlerotatus japonicus was collected more frequently in gravid traps this week than Culex pipiens/restuansmosquitoes.
3. Comparison to previous season
The cold evenings have drastically reduced our CDC and gravid trap collections as indicated by many traps returning empty. Compared to previous seasons, mosquito activity is average for this time of year.
4. Weather Summary
A strong cold front on Monday night brought showers and scattered thunder to the area followed by drier and much cooler (below normal) temperatures. Another cold front and associated low pressure brought widespread heavy rain on Saturday. Rainfall amounts for the week ranged from generally 1.5 to 2.5 inches from east to west.
Total weekly rainfall: 1.73 inches (+1.03 in.)
Total Monthly rainfall: Sept: 2.51 inches (-0.96 in.), Oct: 1.14 inches (+0.79 in.)
Total Yearly rainfall: 33.94 inches (+2.41 in.)
5. Number of requests for service
NCMCP has discontinued recording calls from residents requesting ULV applications effective 9/11/09.
6. MCP/Commission response
NCMCP has suspended all ULV applications effective Friday, September 11th due to consistent morning temperatures below 60 degrees and low trap counts of mammal biting species. NCMCP plans to continue adult mosquito surveillance through the first full week of October after which all trapping activities will be terminated. Coordination between NCMCP and all local Boards of Health is ongoing relative to interpretation of surveillance data and how best to get the word out to the public relative to avoidance of mosquito bites.