U.S. Mortgage Crisis Causing Concerns for Increased Mosquito Populations and West Nile Virus

FAIRFAX, Va. — From foreclosed homes to an inability to sell properties, the recent mortgage crisis in the United States has affected homeowners in myriad ways in the last year. However, an unexpected consequence of the mortgage crisis is the effect of unoccupied, unkempt properties on neighborhoods, raising the potential for increased mosquito populations and heightening the prospect of West Nile Virus (WNV) cases in 2008.

Vacant homes from foreclosures are often neglected and can fall into disrepair. As properties with backyard swimming pools, birdbaths and overflowing gutters are left unchecked, neighborhoods may begin to see an increase in mosquitoes, especially as temperatures continue to rise. In the western U.S., numerous foreclosed homes, coupled with the identification of several WNV-infected birds and the first human cases reported in late March, has led to escalated concern about the transmission of this potentially fatal disease.

“Mosquitoes have long been considered a nuisance pest, but they do pose a major health threat to the public,” said Cindy Mannes, vice president of public affairs for National Pest Management Association (NPMA). “As foreclosure rates and temperatures both continue to rise, there is increased potential for mosquito breeding grounds to develop and go untreated in and around vacant homes. Homeowners must be vigilant of pest problems on their own properties but also on the vacant properties near them.”

NPMA offers the following tips for mosquito prevention:

• Eliminate sources of standing water, such as birdbaths, swimming pool covers and other objects that can collect water.
• Keep all windows and doors properly screened.
• If a mosquito breeding ground develops on a vacant property in your neighborhood, contact local officials to report this issue.
• If a mosquito breeding ground develops on your property, contact a licensed pest professional for a thorough inspection and treatment.

For more information about mosquitoes or to find a licensed pest professional in your local area, please visitwww.pestworld.org or www.whatisipm.org.