2020 seems to be the year of the insect.
Bug after bug after bug after bug.
Here's the latest.........
Researchers report that the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, has become more abundant across Illinois in the past three decades. Its spread is problematic, as the mosquito can transmit diseases – like chikungunya or dengue fever – to humans.
The Asian tiger mosquito originated in the forests of southeast Asia. It found its way to Texas around 1985 and very quickly spread to Illinois.
Asian tiger mosquitoes are good at outcompeting other mosquitoes, the researchers said. This can have both beneficial and harmful effects.
“There have been studies from Florida and Texas where Aedes albopictus has displaced Aedes aegypti, a closely related mosquito known as the yellow fever mosquito that can transmit dengue and yellow fever,” Stone said. “The implications of the establishment of the Asian tiger mosquito in Illinois on other mosquito species is a topic that needs further study.”
“The ability of the Asian tiger mosquito to establish itself in Illinois could be problematic from a public health perspective,” Smith said. “Although it is not as bad as the yellow fever mosquito, it has the potential to introduce diseases.”
Read the rest: https://news.illinois.edu/view/6367/809351
I really don't care what the mosquito is called or what the stupid thing looks like...... I just don't want to have to deal with it. Other than "chiggers" and Japanese beetles, mosquitoes are my least favorite bug of summer.
Grace & Peace & Love to you all -
Matt