A surge in mosquito numbers, which began in West Bay and George Town following recent rainfall and higher-than-usual tides, has now spread across all districts of Grand Cayman.
In a press release on 12 June, the Mosquito Research and Control Unit said it continues to respond aggressively to the population increase.
Control operations include both truck-mounted fogging and aerial treatments, which are being conducted daily.
These efforts will continue across Grand Cayman until mosquito numbers return to more acceptable levels.
Unit director Dr Alan Wheeler said: “We are aware that mosquitoes are now emerging in all districts.
“While the increase is uncomfortable, it was expected based on the environmental conditions
“Our team has been working hard to reduce the number of mosquitoes emerging and continues to carry out control operations to bring the numbers down as quickly as possible.”
The species emerging in the greatest numbers is Aedes taeniorhynchus, also known as the black salt marsh mosquito.
It is known for its aggressive biting, especially just before sunrise and just after sunset.
Residents across the island should expect heavier-than-usual mosquito activity during these times, the press release said.
“However, if residents are experiencing unusual mosquito biting during the daytime, this may be due to a different species,” it added.
The unit urged the public to report any unusual daytime biting by emailing mrcu@gov.ky so the team can investigate and respond appropriately.
The Mosquito Research and Control Unit collects and analyses daily data to guide its response.
This includes monitoring larvae in swamps and dykes, setting and analysing mosquito traps placed in strategic locations, conducting property inspections and reviewing public complaints.
Captured mosquitoes are identified by species, helping unit to target its efforts to the types that bite or may carry disease.
While there are around 20 mosquito species in the Cayman Islands, not all bite. The unit focuses its work on nuisance and disease-carrying mosquitoes.
“We appreciate the public’s continued patience,” Wheeler added.
“Our teams are working diligently to reduce the mosquito population and ease the discomfort being experienced in many areas.”
