Unusually long-lasting hot weather conditions in Montana have prompted U.S. scientists to extend the season for mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus.
The scientists say Montana's mosquito season will continue well into the last half of September, meaning West Nile virus is still a threat, said Montana State University entomologist Greg Johnson.
Johnson said mosquitoes usually stop biting when temperatures fall below 50 degrees during the night, but that hasn't occurred yet in most of Montana.
In his fourth season studying the West Nile virus, Johnsonhas found Culex tarsalis mosquitoes are the primary carrier in Montana. The mosquitoes usually starts flying shortly after sundown and continues until 1 or 2 a.m.
"Repellents containing DEET or picaridin are most effective," he said. "Several different trade names are available that contain various concentrations of DEET. A repellent containing 20 percent to 30 percent DEET is adequate."
Todd Damrow, state epidemiologist, said he encourages a variety of preventative measures for people. He recommends the use of repellents, avoiding times and places of heavy mosquito activity and covering exposed skin.
Copyright 2006 by United Press International
Related stories:
Wet or dry, Montana still threatened by West Nile
West Nile virus is apparently here to stay despite Montana's cool, wet spring, says Montana State University entomologist Greg Johnson.
Heat extends mosquito season, West Nile threat in Montana
Hot weather has extended Montana's mosquito season into September, and that means West Nile virus is still a threat, says Montana State University entomologist Greg Johnson.
Polls may underestimate Obama's support by 3 to 4 percent, researchers say
(PhysOrg.com) -- Current polls of the presidential election may be underestimating Barack Obama's support by 3 to 4 percent nationally and possibly larger margins in the Southeast and some strongly Republican states, according to University of Washington researchers.
With over-weight kids the norm, parents are asking how much a toddler should eat
Where does the American tendency to become overweight begin? With 20 percent of Montana high school students being overweight and 10 percent of those qualifying as obese, the question is as relevant in Montana as elsewhere.
General election campaign advertising surpasses $50 million in first two months
(PhysOrg.com) -- Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain are airing more advertisements in more media markets than their counterparts did during a comparable period in the 2004 election campaign, according to a University of Wisconsin-Madison study.
Study provides a first look at ammonia volatilized from surface applied urea
The question of how much nitrogen is lost from fertilizer urea when it is applied to the soil surface comes up with growers and fertilizer dealers every season and is the focus of a Montana Agricultural Experiment Station investigation being conducted in northern Montana.
Antarctica's coldest, darkest season draws MSU researchers
John Priscu normally works in Antarctica during its warmest and longest days. He usually shares the continent with scientists from all over the world. This year is different.
Hair Reveals Where Murder Victims Drank Water
University of Utah scientists developed a new crime-fighting tool by showing that human hair reveals the general location where a person drank water, helping police track past movements of criminal suspects or unidentified murder victims.