Las Vegas has become a hotbed for mosquito infestations in recent years, defying the conventional wisdom that these biting insects can’t survive in desert climates. The city’s unique combination of urban development, climate change, and insecticide resistance has created a fertile ground for mosquitoes to thrive.
According to Dr. Louisa Messenger, an assistant professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, mosquito populations have been on the rise due to their adaptability to local conditions. The species most commonly found in Clark County include Culex and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which can spread diseases like West Nile virus and dengue fever.
While warmer temperatures have expanded the geographic range of mosquitoes globally, the specific factors contributing to their growth in Las Vegas are less well understood. However, scientists attribute this phenomenon to the city’s urbanization, climate change, and insecticide resistance.
Mosquitoes are now being found in all 48 ZIP codes across the valley, with Aedes aegypti mosquitoes becoming increasingly aggressive day-biting insects. These mosquitoes breed in shallow standing water, making them more resilient to dry conditions than their Culex counterparts.
The Southern Nevada Health District has been monitoring mosquito populations since 2004 and has seen an exponential growth of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The district conducts public outreach on how to identify and protect against mosquito breeding sites but lacks a centralized coordinated abatement program, which contributes to the population’s growing resistance to insecticides.
To mitigate this issue, experts emphasize the need for prevention and control measures, including coordinated efforts from local government and healthcare institutions. Dr. Messenger believes that with proper precautions and effective strategies, residents of Las Vegas can be protected from mosquito-borne diseases.
Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/las-vegas-mosquito-problem-explained-rcna225002