Newcomer How long can the mosquito invasion in the AMBA extend?

[CartyHTY]

The proliferation of mosquitoes, mainly of the Aedes albifasciatus species, has been strongly felt in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires and other areas of the country due to recent rains. This species, known as "flood mosquitoes", breeds in temporary puddles formed by rainfall. The breeding strategy of this species explains why there is a recurrence of mosquito invasion in the AMBA, as some eggs may hatch after several floods. The mosquito invasion will last approximately 20 days, but it is important to note that these insects do not transmit dengue, unlike Aedes aegypti. The current mosquitoes are more resistant and aggressive due to their wild origin and their adaptation to feed on non-human mammals.



What are the most effective repellents?
The repellents authorized by ANMAT contain different active substances such as DEET, Citronella, IR-3535 and icaridin.

These components are available in different presentations such as lotions, gels, creams, sprays. The application should be renewed according to the indications on the package of each product. In the case of children over two years of age, it is recommended to do it every 45 minutes if they are outdoors.

Are mosquitoes more resistant to repellent? According to biologist Laura Harburguer, a Conicet researcher at the Strategic Research and Development Unit for Defense (UNIDEF), "the use of repellents is necessary despite the fact that flooding mosquitoes, of the Aedes albifaciatus species, do not respond too efficiently to them".

The specialist warned that "according to our studies, the most effective component of the three available in the market is DEET. The different formulations that one can find on the market containing DEET range from 7% to almost 30%. This percentage is what will determine the duration of the repellent effect on the skin".



Prevention measures beyond repellent

• Avoid areas where mosquitoes are present.
• Place rigid screens, either metal or plastic, on doors and windows, making sure they are intact.
• Protect the baby's crib or stroller with mosquito nets when outdoors.
• Dress in closed shoes, hats and light-colored clothing, covering both arms and legs.
• Eliminate sources of standing water by emptying, covering, or turning over containers that may contain standing water.

Hasta cuándo puede extenderse la invasión de mosquitos en el AMBA

La especie Aedes albifasciatus es la dominante y por su estrategia de reproducción la situación puede prolongarse varias semanas, según los expertos consultados por Infobae

www.infobae.com

 

[Melody13]

Yes, normally in Argentina every summer there is an invasion of mosquitoes but lately it seems that the repellents do not work... you have to buy the strongest and best ones to be able to survive.

 

[CarolineTrip]

The invasion this year is terrible, there are mosquitoes everywhere.

 

[CarolineTrip]

Specialists recommend to weed, since it is in places where water can accumulate that the larvae are deposited and hatch together after storms; these mosquitoes die within a week to 15 days.

the first comment among people as soon as they pass each other: "Did you see how many mosquitoes there are? The metropolitan region is invaded by an endless number of insects that have taken over the streets and homes, and the social networks have echoed this. According to specialists, the phenomenon is explained by the last rains that fell on the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires (AMBA) last week.

Alejandro Inti Bonomo, director of the Environmental Management career at UADE, explained, in an interview with LA NACION, that "it is very likely" that this invasion has arisen after the storms that some areas suffered in the last few days. The larvae of the Aedes albifasciatus mosquito species wait for the climatic trigger to hatch all together, hence the images circulating in social networks where they look as if they were clouds, explained the specialist. These mosquitoes die within a week to 10 days.

More info: https://www.lanacion.com.ar/socieda...n-metropolitana-fue-invadida-por-nid19022024/

 

[Melody13]

It is true when I posted the comment there were mosquitoes everywhere but I thought it was normal or I had bad luck but now you can see clouds of mosquitoes on the street and on the walls and floors of all buenos aires... some videos:

TikTok - Make Your Day

vm.tiktok.com

TikTok - Make Your Day

vm.tiktok.com

 

[bwyonsea]

It is true when I posted the comment there were mosquitoes everywhere but I thought it was normal or I had bad luck but now you can see clouds of mosquitoes on the street and on the walls and floors of all buenos aires... some videos:

TikTok - Make Your Day

vm.tiktok.com

TikTok - Make Your Day

vm.tiktok.com

It is incredible that these videos show all the streets of Argentina where I work and fumigated 2 times and still appear clouds of mosquitoes .... Unbelievable!

 

[Cariba]

The invasion of mosquitoes in the AMBA could extend for several more days​

Source:

La invasión de mosquitos en el AMBA podría extenderse por varios días más

La especie Aedes albifasciatus es la responsable de la actual “invasión” que afecta a la zona central de Argentina. En qué se diferencia del mosquito que transmite el dengue

www.infobae.com

February 23, 2024


The wild characteristics of current mosquitoes cause the perception that they bite more intensely (Illustrative image Infobae)

The Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area (AMBA) faces an intense mosquito invasion due to recent rains that fueled the proliferation of the Aedes albifasciatus species , known by biologists as flood mosquitoes.
These insects, after rainfall, find a favorable environment for the development of their larvae in puddles and temporary bodies of water . The recent rains in the central region of the country, both in urban and rural areas in the Pampas region , caused a considerable increase in the population of Aedes albifasciatus , the protagonists of the videos of mosquito clouds that went viral in recent days.


At the beginning of January the AMBA had already suffered an invasion of this species of mosquitoes, and now it seems that they returned with more force . "What the recent rainfall generated is the flooding of new areas, the flooding of new places and that led to the eggs that the mosquito females possibly laid in January , or even before, to have hatched now , producing this new invasion," described to Infobae, María Victoria Micieli , doctor in natural sciences and director of the Center for Parasitological and Vector Studies (CEPAVE) of Conicet and the National University of La Plata

“The eggs left by the mosquitoes may not hatch the first time because they have not been wet and this improves the hatching performance for the second flood,” added the specialist.

How long is the mosquito invasion going to spread?​

Insect repellents for human use (or personal use) are products that are applied to various areas of exposed skin in order to protect against insect bites. (Illustrative Image Infobae)

Looking ahead to the weekend and outdoor activities, Infobae consulted Micieli about how the evolution of the Aedes albifasciatus mosquito will continue . According to the expert, what is colloquially called “mosquito invasion” should have a total duration of approximately 10 days.
“This phenomenon began last Sunday and we can say that it is soon to end. The number of adult mosquitoes should begin to decrease these days, after the weekend . Of course it is biology, we are not talking about an exact science, but the quantity is already beginning to decrease," said the director of the Center for Parasitological and Vector Studies.

In this sense , Maximiliano Garzón, a researcher from the Mosquito Study Group at the University of Buenos Aires (UBA), agreed , who told Infobae that “the peak in population abundance (of Aedes albifasciatus ) that was detected last weekend and was extended in the first days of the week, it should decrease in the coming days. The great abundance that one perceives relapses after 10 days at most, in general.”

“There will surely be more concentration in squares and parks and it should no longer invade homes or city streets . If there is a precipitation event, a few days have to pass for new adults to emerge, but not necessarily at a peak of abundance like the one we are experiencing,” Garzón completed.

Are the mosquitoes that invade the AMBA the ones that transmit dengue?​

At the beginning of January the AMBA had already suffered an invasion of this species of mosquitoes, and now it seems that they returned with more force (Illustrative Image Infobae)

It is important to highlight that the insects that carry out this invasion are different from those that transmit dengue , a viral disease whose vector is the Aedes aegypti mosquito .


The abundant population of Aedes aegypti and the increase in dengue cases is a phenomenon that is advancing in Argentina , but presents different characteristics to what we colloquially call “mosquito invasion” that occurred at the beginning of January and occurred again in the last week. .

When A. aegypti feeds on the blood of a person with dengue and then bites other people, it can transmit the infection. The spread of dengue occurs mainly through the bite of infected mosquitoes, never directly from person to person, nor through objects or breast milk.

In dialogue with Infobae , Laura Harburguer , CONICET researcher and member of the Pest and Insecticide Research Department of the Strategic Research and Development Unit for Defense (UNIDEF) explained that “the Aedes albifasciatus lays its eggs in the mud, that is why We will always find it in green spaces , while the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is the vector of dengue, places its eggs in artificial containers that are always inside homes or around houses."

Why do mosquitoes bite harder?​

The abundant population of Aedes aegypti and the increase in dengue cases is a phenomenon that is advancing in Argentina , but presents different characteristics to what we colloquially call “mosquito invasion” that occurred at the beginning of January and occurred again in the last week. .

When A. aegypti feeds on the blood of a person with dengue and then bites other people, it can transmit the infection. The spread of dengue occurs mainly through the bite of infected mosquitoes, never directly from person to person, nor through objects or breast milk.

In dialogue with Infobae , Laura Harburguer , CONICET researcher and member of the Pest and Insecticide Research Department of the Strategic Research and Development Unit for Defense (UNIDEF) explained that “the Aedes albifasciatus lays its eggs in the mud, that is why We will always find it in green spaces , while the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is the vector of dengue, places its eggs in artificial containers that are always inside homes or around houses."

Why do mosquitoes bite harder?​

It is important to highlight that the insects that carry out this invasion are different from those that transmit dengue, a viral disease whose vector is the Aedes aegypti mosquito (Illustrative Image Infobae)
In reference to the perception of greater intensity in bites, Sylvia Fischer , Conicet researcher at the Institute of Ecology, Genetics and Evolution of Buenos Aires and coordinator of the UBA Mosquito Study Group, explained to Infobae that these mosquitoes have more wild than urban characteristics, since they have their origin in rural areas.

Being more accustomed to field environments, they “pass through people's skin much more easily,” since they are used to biting other large non-human mammals, such as horses, with more resistant skin surfaces.

Are mosquitoes more resistant to repellents?​

In Argentina, the repellent products authorized by ANMAT contain DEET, IR-3535 and icaridin , in various presentations such as lotions, gels, creams and aerosols. Harburguer highlighted that “DEET is the most effective component” among the repellents available.

And he added that "there are many homemade products that are circulating today and different formulas to make repellent, but they are not recommended because their effectiveness is not proven and neither is their toxicity on the skin ."



The use of repellents is necessary even though flood mosquitoes, of the Aedes albifaciatus species, do not respond too efficiently to them (Illustrative Image Infobae)
The researcher highlighted that the repellents approved by ANMAT are supported “by toxicity studies on humans and efficacy, that is, whether they work well as repellents on mosquitoes. For this reason, I recommend commercial repellents as a care method.”

The mosquitoes that carry out this invasion in the AMBA have a different behavior towards repellents, "that is linked to the behavior of each mosquito in particular, but it does not mean that Aedes albifasciatus mosquitoes are resistant, but rather that the repellent is not as effective on this mosquito,” added the scientist.

Care measures in addition to repellent:​

• Avoid areas where there are mosquitoes.
• Place rigid mosquito nets, whether metal or plastic, on doors and windows, making sure they are intact.
• Protect your baby's crib or stroller with mosquito nets when outdoors.
• Dress in closed-toed shoes, hats and light clothing, covering both arms and legs.
• Eliminate sources of stagnant water by emptying, covering or turning over containers that could contain it.

 

[StatusNomadicus]

also good to think about the long-term effects of spraying chemicals like DEET on your skin, and Permethrin on your clothes/items. and the consideration of natural deterrents. add raw crushed garlic to your diet, maybe? i just stay inside, because i don't want to find out in a few years that i've been dousing myself with health effects. @sophos what's your strategy for mosquitos?

 

[James Bond]

also good to think about the long-term effects of spraying chemicals like DEET on your skin, and Permethrin on your clothes/items. and the consideration of natural deterrents. add raw crushed garlic to your diet, maybe? i just stay inside, because i don't want to find out in a few years that i've been dousing myself with health effects. @sophos what's your strategy for mosquitos?

But are there any studies that say the long term effects of using bugspray is harmful? I guess these days everything will kill you eventually. Ha. Looks like the mosquitos are going to last for a bit longer.

La invasión de mosquitos en el AMBA podría extenderse por varios días más

La especie Aedes albifasciatus es la responsable de la actual “invasión” que afecta a la zona central de Argentina. En qué se diferencia del mosquito que transmite el dengue

www.infobae.com

 

[Vero]

According to the CDC, DEET isn't harmful — even for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding — as long as it is used safely and correctly.

 

[StatusNomadicus]

are there any studies that say the long term effects of using bugspray is harmful?

depends on if you operate on common sense or trust the labeling agencies (that are lobbied by chemical companies)

if you have zero distrust of vaccines, especially the mRNA COVID vaccine, then spray DEET all over your body, because nothing i show will convince you otherwise

if you, like me, think that a chemical made in a laboratory, to kill/deter bugs, might have some effects on your cells also, then i would steer away; why apply bug spray? unless you're a police officer or paramedic working in a bad area, and you have to expose your skin, just avoid being outside when there are mosquitoes. in BsAs you know within about 5 seconds of standing on grass whether there are mosquitos or not.

here's a study:

Controversies surrounding the safety of N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) when used as an insect repellent are centered around conflicting findings in the scientific literature and inaccurate reporting in the public media. Lethal cases of DEET poisoning are few, and usually due to deliberate or other overdoses that ignore product label instructions. Deleterious effects of DEET typically involve skin reactions and even when encephalopathies, such as seizures, occur they often abate without sequelae. Recent mode-of-action studies prove it has little direct effect on acetylcholinesterase, and have identified G protein-coupled receptors as a site of action deserving of further investigation. Studies with pregnant women found that DEET had no effect on the developing fetus from proper use and its continued deployment as a repellent is endorsed by both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Environmental Protection Agency, with specific recommendations of how it should be used on children. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry

this "research" overall says it's safe! just be careful with children. and if you overdose, usually it's your fault. and if you have a seizure, it won't have any long-term effects (anyone else think that any seizure is going to probably have an effect on the brain??)

and another study:

Reports of neurologic adversity and death are rare and primarily involve children [...] the risk of adversity from label-directed use of [DEET] appears low

another:

N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) induces favorable repellency against insects by acting on the sensory nervous system. According to emerging literature reports, DEET side effects in humans involve new molecular targets including the cholinergic system, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), muscarinic M1 and M3 receptor and the participation of the second messenger nitric oxide (NO). Most of these molecular events targeted by DEET have previously been characterized in insects while they have been considered as marginal compared to classical repellent properties. Despite these uncommon actions in insects, there is no consensus on the effects in human. Based on these data, this review provides new insights on side effects in human and more largely in mammals by identifying the unusual properties of DEET in insects, which seem to be correlated with adverse effects in mammals. These data will be very helpful to understand better the toxicological effects observed in order to protect non-target organisms from the toxicity.

and:

(2003) Regulatory reassessments in North American countries have recently been completed for insect repellents containing DEET as active ingredient, resulting in labeling changes intended to minimize unnecessary exposure to special populations, including children.

(i wouldn't spray on kids. just keep them inside during bad times, and if the parks are swarming, take them home. it's only a month out of 12; it's not worth the risk of dousing children with chemicals)

and more:

Deet is considered to be the best "all around" insect repellent ever developed and is the most widely used insect repellent in the world. Since its first use in a consumer product in 1956, billions of applications have been made to human skin. Information about the safety of deet comes from the human clinical literature, animal toxicology studies, and poison control centers' experiences with deet. The clinical literature reports the association of deet with neurotoxicity in 14 individuals. Three of the cases resulted in death, whereas all of the other patients completely recovered. The exact role of deet in the toxicity reported is difficult to determine from the reports. Recently reported animal safety studies have examined potential neurotoxicity following multigenerational dosing. Effects on the nervous system were only seen when generalized toxicity was also observed. Thus deet is not a selective neurotoxin. Important information about deet also comes from an investigation into the reports of adverse affects reported to 71 poison control centers in the USA. An important conclusion from this study is that there is no evidence that increasing deet concentration has any effect on the severity of the symptoms reported. The vast majority of reported cases had either no symptoms or ones that resolved rapidly. In conclusion, a thorough examination of all information available indicates that the risk of serious adverse effects following the use of deet is extremely low.

the current risk of COVID mRNA vaccines according to "The Science" is extremely low...and the Gardasil vaccine. but there are many people who have been injured.

1.

2.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1760662468307697746

DEET works the best, but it also might have some unique attributes (that i don't want on my skin) here:

DEET exhibited a more complex mode of action than the others due to its insecticidal properties. The repellents do not behave as a single class of compounds with a common mode of action, but most probably affect different physiological systems in insects. The physiological and molecular mechanisms of repellents, especially DEET, should be investigated to ensure a better use of these molecules for skin applications and/or for treating materials against mosquitoes.

up to you!

 

[Wicked]

What is the mosquito situation like right now? We can’t find repellant anywhere, not sure how risky it is just walking about in Palermo

 

[Betsy Ross]

What is the mosquito situation like right now? We can’t find repellant anywhere, not sure how risky it is just walking about in Palermo

It has gotten better the past few weeks but still nasty in some areas. Lots of rain this year so it's been miserable. I would say improved but still not desirable. Try Jumbo. They had some there this past weekend.

Jumbo · Av. Int. Bullrich 345, C1425 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentinien

âââââ · Supermarkt

maps.app.goo.gl

 

[Vince]

What is the mosquito situation like right now? We can’t find repellant anywhere, not sure how risky it is just walking about in Palermo

Still pretty bad. I have been avoiding eating outside. It got better but then another wave a few days ago. This year the mosquitos seem bigger too. My kids got bit in the face the other day. Just horrible.

 

[Jenn]

I am darn glad I changed my ticket to come at the end of April instead. My friend there has gotten eaten alive. She said she also has had issues finding bug spray.

 

[Wicked]

Might try Jumbo then, we tried all the pharmacies we could find. If anyone knows where I can get some strong DEET spray, please let me know, I don’t really care if the price seems excessive.

Staying at Mine Hotel Boutique btw, so anything near is a plus.

 

[Wally]

Might try Jumbo then, we tried all the pharmacies we could find. If anyone knows where I can get some strong DEET spray, please let me know, I don’t really care if the price seems excessive.

Staying at Mine Hotel Boutique btw, so anything near is a plus.

Try this Pharmacy. I got some there. Maybe call and ask before you head over. Your hotel reception can ask them for you.

FARMAPLUS - Barrio Norte II · Av. Pueyrredón 1428, C1118AAR Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentinien

âââââ · Apotheke

maps.app.goo.gl