Tag Archives: west nile virus

SPN: Mosquitoes and West Nile Virus is on the rise.

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According to the calendar we are entering the season of fall. For Texans, this means football (hopefully) and  battling mosquitoes on your campuses. This particular insects will make you itch, scratch, and sometimes even say bad words. With the help of Dr. Sonja Swiger,Associate Professor & Veterinary/Medical Extension Entomologist, AgriLife Extension this article will help explain the symptoms of West Nile Virus and encephalitis, what schools need to know about basic mosquito management and additional resources to help educate you and your staff.   Mosquitoes are of concern in… Read More →

SPN: Hot Weather Pests and Remember to Monitor

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Hot Weather and Pests By Dr. Mike Merchant It’s summer in Texas and either you saw too much rain this spring, or not enough but no matter where you live the summer pests are out. Some pests are more troublesome during extreme conditions, while others flourish during more typical conditions. Here are a few observations concerning current weather conditions and pests. Millipede mass migrations commonly occur in the fall, but can also happen in the spring and summer. Above average rainfall is likely to blame for this year’s… Read More →

SPN: Mosquitoes and Zika Virus

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Mosquitoes  By: Wizzie Brown, Extension Program Specialist III – IPM Mosquitoes are a hot news item currently, especially those transmitting a new virus….Zika. (At the end of this article you will find a handout designed to help you educate others about Zika.) Mosquitoes can transmit various diseases to humans and animals such as heartworm in dogs and cats, as well as encephalitis (including West Nile Virus), Chikungunya, dengue, yellow fever, malaria and filariasis among humans. Aedes mosquitoes transmit diseases such as Zika virus, Chikungunya, yellow fever and dengue…. Read More →

School Pest News, Volume 12, Issue 6, September 2013

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Imported Fire Ants the Cause of Death in Texas  By Maggie Lawrence, Auburn University The biting, stinging fire ant is a nuisance most people are far too familiar with, but few recognize the life-threatening danger these small pests pack in their punch. Recently, a Texas teen died after numerous fire ant stings during a junior high football game in Corpus Christi. Allergic reactions to fire ant bites are rare, but require quick thinking and proactive first aid work. Texas  A&M AgriLife Extension Service Program Specialist, Janet Hurley, works… Read More →

Fast Facts about Mosquito Prevention and Control around Schools

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Here are a few facts that you can use and share with those in your district about mosquitoes, mosquito control, and West Nile virus. The most important single thing a school district can do is make sure school grounds are not contributing to your local mosquito populations.  Check water catchment basins, storm drains, low areas, and equipment storage yards, athletic and playground equipment, especially, for places where water might be caught and held.  Drain or treat with Bt dunks, or Altosid granules–both Green category insecticides. Mosquitoes typically rest… Read More →

West Nile virus fears prompt diligence in schools. Common question: Can students use mosquito repellents at school?

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With Dallas officials having declared a state of emergency in regards to West Nile virus, Texas AgriLife Extension Service personnel are being flooded with calls from area school integrated pest management coordinators seeking information to allay parents’ and teachers’ mosquito concerns once school starts. “It’s a valid concern, but one that’s manageable,” said Janet Hurley, AgriLife Extension state school integrated pest management specialist headquartered in Dallas County. “State law mandates that public school districts in Texas, all 1,030 of them, must have a trained integrated pest management coordinator… Read More →