Insect Infestation Frenzy: Battling Tick, Mosquito, and Spotted Lanternfly Outbreaks
Tick, mosquito, and spotted lanternfly infestations are causing concern across the United States this summer. Tick populations are increasing due to a combination of abundant food sources and climate change, leading to a rise in Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Spotted lanternflies, an invasive species from Asia, are threatening trees and agricultural industries in the Northeast. Mosquito populations are surging in certain areas, potentially spreading diseases such as dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya. To minimize the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses, the CDC advises removing standing water and using insect repellent.