Mosquito population in Thailand on the increase this year

Heard that distinctive sound announcing the arrival of the motorized fogger I pointed to a tip (฿) I placed on the ping pong table and ran into the house having all windows sealed and doors closed. The fog was thick, but I noticed some mosquitoes just flew around in the fog. Made me wonder if this fogging is really that effective, or was it just an aggravation for those flying disease distributors.  It's mosquito season, they seem to be on the increase at the end of the rainy season, especially so this year.  Blood donations urged as dengue cases TRIPLE in Thailand  I have found the homemade mosquito trap made with plastic soft drink bottles quite effective.  How to Make a Plastic Bottle Mosquito Trap (with Pictures) In making this trap I use paper clips rather than tape, making it easier to reuse the traps When adding yeast, the water should be warm, not boiling hot

Sakon Nakhon

---------- Forwarded message ----------:Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Zika Virus

The U.S. Embassy in Thailand informs U.S. citizens that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued Travel Guidance for countries in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, regarding the risk of Zika virus infection. Zika virus is endemic in Thailand.  The risk of Zika to travelers, especially pregnant women, in endemic countries is likely lower (but not zero) than in areas such as the Americas, where Zika has been newly introduced and spreading widely.  Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should discuss their travel plans with their medical provider and consider postponing nonessential travel to Thailand.  Men whose partners are pregnant or are considering pregnancy should talk to their medical provider about CDC's recommendations on how to avoid sexual transmission of Zika infection to their partners. 

The CDC has concluded that the Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly and other severe fetal brain defects in some fetuses and babies born to some infected mothers. Zika also rarely may lead to the Guillain-Barré syndrome or other neurological conditions, which can affect individuals of any age or sex. 

Zika virus is typically transmitted by the day biting Aedes aegypti mosquito, but there have been confirmed cases of transmission through sexual contact and blood transfusion. CDC reports that travel to elevations higher than 2,000 m (6,500 ft) above sea level is considered to have minimal likelihood for mosquito-borne Zika virus transmission, even within countries reporting active transmission. 

They are at it again: Mosquito Wars

Started at 5:45 am on my street. 
Avoid breathing, that stuff is carcinogenic.

Hardly saw any mosquitoes during the recent extreme heat.  Have dog water dishes sitting outside. The dishes attracted a lot of thirsty birds who appear to have disposed of the mosquito population. 

Now that the rainy season has stated, standing water will provide for an increased mosquito population.

สำนักข่่าวแห่งชาติ : People warned of dengue fever

as rainy season begins

Sakon Nakhon

Zap... snap.. crack... pop... zap

No it's not a breakfast cereal commercial
at 6 a.m.. mosquitoes are searching for breakfast.
My neighbor starts her daily "mosquito wars."

My mosquito hunt is later in the morning.
When the nasty bugs have started their daytime nap.
In any battle I prefer my enemy napping and drowsy.

Fifteen minutes in the morning is a great light exercise, especially if you have one of those electric zappers in each hand.

Expat shopping
Saw some swimwear tagged 198 Baht.
I needed ten for use by daily pool guests.
I suppose I could have bartered the price down half way to 100 Baht.
Sent my Thai friend to do the shopping. Fifty baht each.  Savings of 1,000 to 1,480 Baht

Mekon running on empty 

read about it here  THE NATION

Think I mentioned before we might be able to wade across soon.
If the water level at the local lake "Nong Hahn" drops down this year, we might be able to see the centuries submerged temple.  They tried to recover some artifacts a few years back, but did not have the right equipment.

Hot hotter hottest  Thailand meteorological department suggest average temperatures for end of March into April at 43C  -  109F.  Tropical storm watch March 7-10, Southerly winds 10-30 km/hr. .

Further smoking restrictions pending: will include religious centers, gas stations, schools, clinics and hospitals.  Some facilities may provide open air smoking areas.
Smoking in condominiums will be outlawed.

Use Mosquito coilsonly in well ventilated areas

Pyrethroid compounds are mixed in mosquito coils.
Exposure to the pyrethroid in large quantities can cause acute poisoning include drowsiness, headache, vomiting, and disruption to nervous system

Post by www.mcot.net.

Mosquito Wars 2016

Zika virus
First 'isolated in 1947 from a rhesus macaque monkey- wikipedia
Zika virus is transmitted by daytime-active mosquitoes, causes illnesses similar to mild dengue fever.

Opinion: Even though a few cases had recently been made public in Thailand, I suspect the virus has been around for some time, possibly misdiagnosed as dengue.

Asean braces for Zika | Bangkok Post: news

Bangkok Post‎ - 2 days ago

Tropical Southeast Asian countries are bracing for the mosquito-borne Zika virus, with ...

Mosquito Battles - Lessons learned

Coke bottle mosquito trap REALLY WORKS.

You can find instructions how to make them all over the internet, here is one.

I made one of those a while ago.  Nothing happened.

It was the cold season and the yeast was too cold.

Now the days are starting to warm up, the yeast is becoming active,it does work.

The first thing I realized was a bad choice of location.

I had placed the bottle outside my kitchen door.

There where hundreds of mosquitos at my kitchen door this morning.

I'm building more of these traps, but definitely will locate in better places, 

away from my doors and windows.

I wrap the bottles in dark plastic

Living with mosquitoes

Since mid November of this year the mosquito infestation around my home seems to be the worst in the five years I have been here. Nearby waterlogged plots and rice fields are ideal for their breeding .

They are not just a nuisance, but they also spread diseases such as malaria, encephalitis, dengue fever, and filariasis.

Use of insect repellent serves some temporary relief, however, requires frequent reapplication especially in humid, sweaty climates.

Best personal protection is to keep your skin covered: No short pants or short sleeved shirts.

Indoors spraying may be practical in some circumstances. Precautions such as ventilation and protecting food must be considered.

A fan is one of the better protections against mosquitoes, since they are unable to control their flight in windy conditions.


Electric zappers may attract a great number of flying insects which are attracted to light, but do nothing in defense against the mosquito.

The bug is attracted to the human breath, sweat, moisture, and especially foot perspiration. Of course also dark areas, I shake my motorcycle helmet before wearing it.


Further reading How Attractive Are You? To Mosquitoes, That Is (USDA)

Mosquito control :: Sakon FC has a win :: Heavy rains soon

. Air Asia	. NOK Air	Bank of Thailand exchange rate	. Calendar	. Immigration	Restaurant and Bar Apples	Restaurant and Bar Chilly	Restaurant and Bar Pit Stop
Mosquito Control is in the news I've had success with the bottle trap. I'm surprised there isn't a ready made kit 'just add water' available commercially. Electric zapper lights have little effect on mosquitoes. They prefer dark and moist.  For personal protection I prefer citronella oil. No toxins! Sakon Nakhon 2 Mukdahan 1 Tropical Depression 6 has been upgraded to Tropical Storm Nida. Expect further upgrades. NOAA flash animation best shows how Nida is growing.  Feels like as high as 43 next few days. Chance of scattered shower. Heavy rains still forecast to begin after midweek

Sakon Nakhon

Eager to be very intimate with you

What's the mosquito population like?

There's plenty of em that's for sure.
Best advice: Stay indoors during mosquito rush hours at dawn and dusk.

If you do need to go outdoors, send them smoke signals that you would like them to leave.
I did that on my front porch this morning. 
I use three smoke coils for eviction proceedure.

Keep your ankles covered.  Human feet produce and enzyme which advertises to mosquitoes "Dine Here".   The breath you exhale and your sweat are other main attractants.

Stay near a fan whenever possible.
Mosquitoes loose flight control in windy areas

I prefer nontoxic propellants with citronella for uncovered skin. 



Also read what I've previously written on the subject

Toned down celebrations

Early evening was quite pleasant for the last day of the year. Temperatures started dipping quickly just before midnight.  This morning it was cool.

Compared to other years this New Years eve seemed very subdued around here.  I wonder if it is the Thai economy.  
Usually you can hear fireworks for days before the New Year becomes official.  Party music every night all night. Barely any pre-event parties this year.

Hardly any early New Years eve fireworks.  Everyone seemed to be saving their ammunition till the last minute.




ITU (road) almost seemed deserted.  Most parties were in the side street neighborhood

6:30 pm

Just an hour earlier, a neighbor was trimming his lawn Thai Style




The wind was going in the direction of some mosquito invested almost swamp land

No munitions shortage
Sakon Nakhon

Mobile Mosquito Eradication

Had to make a stop on my way home, till the air was clear.

Lucky I had a can of Chang with me while sitting alongside the road.

Really wonder how effective this sort of spraying is.

Butterflies did not seem to be bothered by the spray.

In previous years people with backpack sprayers used to come around and aim the spray at all the most likely spots, especially sewers.

The sprayer looks fairly new, but the truck, that's another story.

Dumb Farang

A couple of older ladies hung a plastic bag on my front gate this morning.
I must admit I was a bit puzzled why they would hang half a dozen tea bags on my gate.
Glad I had no inclination to have a cup.

When the neighborhood kids stopped by after school, they had a good laugh at my expense.  

It's a chemical added to standing water to kill mosquito larvae.
Of course I have no idea what chemical is involved and what effect it will have on the local pond fish. 

Cough Couch, Choke

The only warning that the area is getting sprayed for mosquitoes is the motor from the sprayer Had to rush to get my dog inside and close all windows and doors. Really had not experienced many mosquitos around my house.  The lots usually filled with rain after the rainy season are all dry.   One of the best ways to avoid mosquito bites outdoors is to sit in front of a fan.  Mosquitoes can't manuever well in windy conditions

Sakon Nakhon

Wat Prathat Fair now open

Even though the official dates of the Fair are January 2-8, and there's still plenty of work to be done,
many of the vendors are open for business

Expect traffic congestion.

The Nine Days of New Years

A four day public holiday for the new year started Saturday, December 31, 2011.
Officially the holidays will end Tuesday, January 3, 2012.
Banks should reopen Wednesday, January 4
Holiday road checks are in place through January 5

Expect many buses to be at capacity after the holidays, as revelers prepare to return to work.

Mosquito Wars

I'm surrounded by vacant land with standing water.
Over the past week there has been a noticeable increase of mosquitoes.

For the moment I have a daily morning ritual to smoke them out from behind my water tanks.

It gets quite noisy as birds swoop in on the meal of escaping mosquitoes

Why I don't like geckos in the house

Gecko, lizards, toads, salamanders and frogs frequently carry bacteria called Salmonella that can cause serious illness in people. 

Geckos and other reptiles can also carry fleas ticks and mites. 

I don't mind them outside the house where they keep the mosquito population down. 

Inside, especially in the kitchen, I've learned to catch them with a large bowl and take them outside. 

Don't leave any food uncovered. They might not eat it, but most likely check it out and walk over it.

Then there is Gecko Poop which contains salmonella and can remain on walls and just about anywhere else. Resembles the shape of black rice.

สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

No mosquito killing temperatures, but cool

Jan 13 Jan 14

Judging by the flags at yesterday's football game, we were getting light breezes from the southeast. While the weather arriving from the northeast continues to be dominant. Not much change in night time temperatures.  A few degrees up, a few degrees down Warming trend at the end of the month going into February Downtown Smoke? Smog? Clouds? Hard to tell

Mosquitoes die off at temperatures of 10C/50F or below

Chilly Nights, Cool Days

6 am, Dec 9

Weather continues to arrive mostly from the north

MTSAT - West Pacific Visible Imagery Loop

Winds from the East Northeast with a night time cooling trend beginning Thursday.

Next week night time temperatures are expected to drop down 
as low as 

11°  BBC Weather

  9°  accuweather

For travelers from other parts of the world these temperatures may seem idyllic.
For persons living here on a regular basis, the over 20° temperature drop at night is quite noticeable. 

Christmas holidays 

• daytime 25° 
• nighttime: 13-17°

Health ALERT

The mosquito population will most likely go into hibernation, while other viruses may flourish.  Recent post: Sakon Nakhon - Live: Vacinate (Chickenpox)

Stay warm do the Chilly CHa Cha

Sakon Nakhon

As seen on STV (Sakon Nakhon TV)

Rosewood Theft

posted Aug 7

50 year old trees adjacent to the abbey ruins at Ban Nong Bua.

Found at the scene, water bottle, many energy drink bottles, and pack asbestos mosquito repellent sachets.

Professional criminal groups are suspected 

Video:  Driver flees Police checkpoint

posted Aug 4

Abandons truck loaded with processed lumber

Thursday

Mars

Fire Drill at the Icehouse

	Before I read the description and started the video, I thought it was a mosquito eradication demonstration.  From looks of things the office people were kept in the office until it was totally smoke filled.  Impressive firefighting (insert chuckle here)

Sakon Nakhon