In a press release on 14th April 2025, the Mosquito Research & Control Unit (MRCU) in the Cayman Islands issued an advisory to the public on the forecasted increase of mosquitoes across all three islands, which they state should start on or around 18th April, Good Friday, leading into the 2025 Easter holiday weekend.
The period of heavy rainfall on 7th April, coupled with high tides that resulted in flooding in low-lying areas, creates optimal conditions for mosquitoes to lay eggs. The timing of the advisory links to the usual duration and hatch period of mosquitoes, with MRCU’s release stating:
“These flooded areas are perfect places for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. Normally, mosquitoes start to hatch and become adults about 10 to 11 days after flooding, so we expect to see more mosquitoes by mid-April.”
Increased Mosquito Control Efforts Underway
MRCU have taken additional measures to help stop or minimise the increase in mosquitoes with a treatment that involves spreading a substance designed to kill mosquito larvae and stop mosquito eggs from hatching. In addition, there will be more aircraft and fogging trucks operating during this time. These treatments will continue over the next seven days, says MRCU, but even with these proactive measures, they still expect mosquito numbers to rise from the 18th.
In the Cayman Islands, Easter camping has been a long-time tradition for many families. With the increase in mosquitoes expected to start when many people are camping, MRCU have provided some recommended tips to help avoid mosquito bites, noted in their press release:
“What You Can Do if You Are Camping Over Easter: If you plan to camp outside over the Easter weekend, MRCU suggests taking these steps to avoid mosquito bites:
- Use insect repellent with DEET or picaridin to keep mosquitoes away.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers, especially at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Use mosquito nets if you are sleeping outdoors.
MRCU is working hard to protect everyone from mosquitoes and to keep their numbers down. We ask everyone to help by following these simple steps to reduce mosquito bites. Together, we can keep our community safe.”
MRCU encourages the public that if they notice an uptick in biting from mosquitoes, to email MR**@go*.ky with the location and details. This information can provide key data to help guide their mosquito control response more effectively.
