Culex mosquitoes

Context:

Common house mosquitoes known as Culex have reappeared across the National capital after a change in season.

 Background

Culex mosquitoes are common across these areas and have the ability to spread diseases. Many housing areas have complained about rise in mosquito numbers.

Details

• The main reason for the growth of these mosquitoes is warmer temperatures. They numbers is particularly high in areas around floodplains.

• Culex mosquitoes grow and breed in unclean stagnant water. They are different than Aedes aegypti that breed in clean water and spread diseases such as Dengue and Chikungunya.

• Culex mosquitoes are fatal because they cause a dangerous disease known as Japanese Encephalitis, where brain inflammation takes place.

Role of weather

• Water stored in depressions in the flood plains where some water still remains and are ideal breeding grounds for Culex.

• The ideal temperature conditions for their breeding and growth is between 10 degrees Celsius and 40 degrees Celsius. 

Controlling mosquitoes

• The process involves placing mosquito larvicidal oil-coated blocks in major drains, which create a layer on the surface that prevents growth of larvae.

• Long-acting insecticides are also used to paralyse mosquitoes. Sprays and medicines are also put inside the drains to control their population.

Source: Indian Express