Michigan Faces A Health Threat From Aggressive Tiger Mosquitoes

Michigan may be in for a little bit of trouble, as the County health officials have warned that there is an invasion of the invasive Asian Tiger Mosquito that has made its way into Michigan.

The first signs of this invasive species entering our state came in 2017 in Livonia, and it has been said to be more dangerous during the daytime. The most dangerous thing about the mosquito is that it could be carrying dengue, chikungunya, and Zika.

How Did Asian Tiger Mosquitoes Get In The United States?

According to the Center for Invasive Species Research, tires are to blame:

The Asian tiger mosquito entered the United States in shipments of used tires from northern Asia in the mid-1980s. It can survive in a broad range of climates and has spread rapidly from the point of first detection in the south-central United States.

Before they made their way into Michigan, they went on to talk about where they were first detected:

 

Prior to its successful invasion of the southeastern U.S., isolated introductions of this mosquito were detected and eradicated in California in 1971 and 1987. In 2001, the Asian tiger mosquito was found in two northern and four southern counties of California.

CBS News suggests doing the following to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes and suggests calling Wayne County Environmental Health if you notice an area with an overabundance of mosquitoes:

• Empty standing water in items such as wading pools, tires, buckets, and containers
• Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors
• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent according to label instructions
• Repair and maintain window and door screens