A mild winter followed by an extremely rainy Spring has created a situation perfect for large number of bugs to cause problems.
Many people are telling 7 Eyewitness News that the caddisfly problem (commonly referred to as "sandflies") along the Niagara River in Tonawanda is so bad that people can hardly be along the water's edge.
The good news is caddisflies have a short life span of only a few days - even though they can be a huge nuisance.
However, the weather conditions have allowed problems with mosquitos and ticks to become a bigger concern.
Mosquito Joe, a family-owned pest control company in North Tonawanda, said it is already being swamped with calls for help because the wet weather is helping large numbers of mosquitoes to take over yards.
The other problem seen by Mosquito Joe is a much larger number of ticks. That is a big concern because ticks can spread Lyme Disease.
A link to the company's website and FAQ is available here:http://buffalo.mosquitojoe.com/faq/
Fleas do not seem to be a big problem yet.
In the attached video clip, hear from some people who describe the "sandfly" problem in Tonawanda.
The New York State Department of Health provided the following information about mosquitos and ticks:
Statement:
The Department of Health actively monitors the tick population, incidences of Lyme disease and other diseases carried by mosquitoes. Regardless of mosquito and tick activity this season, people should take precautions during warmer months to protect themselves from being bitten by disease-carrying mosquitoes and ticks.
To date, the only Zika cases in New York State are in people who acquired the virus while traveling to Zika-affected areas, or through sexual transmission from someone who had traveled to those areas.
Additional information:
The Department of Health encourages New Yorkers to take these precautions:
Mosquito Prevention
Cover your skin as completely as possible when outside when mosquitoes are present and active. Wear long sleeves, pants and socks.
Use insect repellent on exposed skin and follow label directions.
Make sure there are screens in your home's windows and doors. Make sure the screens are free of rips, tears and holes.
Eliminate all standing water on around your home and property where mosquitoes can breed.
Tick Prevention
See the “Be Tick Free” brochure: http://www.health.ny.gov/publications/2813.pdf
State DOH has also posted a video online that shows how to properly remove a tick: http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/lyme/
Zika Precaution
Governor Cuomo's comprehensive Zika Action Plan
New York State Department of Health Reminds New Yorkers to Take Precautions Against Zika Virus and Other Mosquito-Borne Illnesses, see: http://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2017/2017-05-12_zika.htm
