Rain may make people want to hide away, but for Gainesville pests, it’s the opposite.
Small organisms will wither if conditions are dry, so rainfall indirectly allows them to be more active, John Capinera, chairman of UF’s entomology and nematology department, wrote in an email. This is especially true with mosquitoes.
Capinera said mosquitoes are the insects most affected by rain because the larvae need temporary water to live.
“The mosquito is considered the most dangerous animal in the world right now because they carry so many diseases,” said Rebecca Baldwin, UF assistant professor and undergraduate coordinator in the entomology and nematology department.
The West Nile virus, she said, is a common disease in Florida that mosquitoes transmit to humans.
The best way to deal with mosquitoes, Capinera said, is to avoid them by not being outside during dusk — their most active time.
“Homeowners, in addition to avoiding peak activity periods of mosquitoes, should make sure that they have window screens in place and they keep doors closed,” Capinera said.
Ed. note: One source asked to be removed from the story following a discrepancy.
