4 ms·

Part of the reason mosquitos get so out of control is because we've killed off all the bats, birds, and predatory insects that keep them in check.

• losvedir 5y ago
  What explains the pervasive malaria that used to be in this country then?
  • 35fbe7d3d5b9 5y ago
    Malaria isn't in the country because in the late 40s the US Public Health Service sprayed the interiors of five million southern homes with DDT, drained wetlands, and carpet bombed counties with pesticides. They did that until the mosquito population dropped enough that the transmission cycle was broken. There are still tons of mosquitoes able to carry malaria in the US. They haven't been killed off - heck, my cat caught one in the laundry room a few days ago! But humans are the only relevant reservoir for malaria, so as long as we use good public health techniques like screening individuals from endemic areas, it's possible to let the US remain malaria free.
    • giantg2 5y ago
      But we don't really screen travellers. It seems Zika and chikenguya are on the verge of becoming established in areas of FL and TX. Those have animal hosts too. Seems like it won't be long until it's all over (thanks again global travel).