Mosquitoes are in the habit of biting the hand that feeds them. They also bite arms, legs, faces and any other exposed flesh they can sink their tiny stylets into. They love people, but the feeling is not mutual.

The Rev. Learner Blackman, who traveled from Opelousas to Bayou Bartholomew more than 200 years ago, sized up the situation in his journal: “Louisiana abounds in insects.”

Constant rainfall of late has resulted in increased numbers of the pesky, blood-hungry insects in both urban and rural Morehouse Parish. Residents who try to enjoy the great outdoors, or get caught outside their homes at dusk, are liable to be reminded of the biblical plague of gnats in Egypt.

Mosquitoes breed in any puddle of water lasting more than four days, so the rainfall is bound to increase their numbers. Do they pose a health risk?

Dr. Shelley Jones, with the La. Department of Health and Hospitals Region 8 Northeast Regional Office of Public Health in Monroe, said there have been no reported cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Morehouse Parish this year.

WNV is a viral disease sometimes transmitted from birds to humans and other mammals by mosquitoes. Most WNV infections cause mild symptoms including fever, tiredness, headaches and occasionally skin rash and swollen lymph nodes. The more dangerous form is  neuroinvasive, leading to encephalitis, myelitis or meningitis.

Morehouse had one reported case of neuroinvasive WNV in 2007, according to Jones.
“The only reported cases for West Nile in Region 8 this year have been one in Lincoln Parish, one neuroinvasive case in Ouachita and two cases of West Nile fever in Ouachita,” said Jones.

A relative newcomer to northeast Louisiana is the Asian tiger mosquito, or Adeis albopictus. This species was introduced to the U.S. in the 1980s via tires imported from Japan, and is identified by its black and white stripes and larger size.

Several Morehouse residents have reported the tiger’s bite, although its presence has not been definitely confirmed here. The bad news is the tiger bites in the daytime and is resistant to nighttime fogging. The good news: The tiger mosquito does not travel more than 500 feet from its breeding place. This means citizens can reduce their numbers through simple, common sense measures.

The Louisiana Mosquito Control Association advises property owners to get rid of standing water. This means turning over wheelbarrows, wading pools and any other containers that could become potential mosquito nurseries. Fix leaking faucets, clear debris from gutters, and regularly change water in birdbaths, fountains, watering troughs and pet dishes.

As for personal protection, long sleeves after dark and secure screens on windows and doors are essential. Spray-on repellant can defend against the tiger’s bite, too.