VALDOSTA, Ga. -- A spike in the mosquito population has forced health officials to declare a health emergency in 10 south Georgia counties.

The alert was issued this week for Ben Hill, Berrien, Brooks, Cook, Echols, Erwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Tift and Turner counties. The declaration of emergency is meant to give the counties priority status and resources to help enhance mosquito control.

South District Health Director Dr. Lynne Feldman said the number of mosquitoes caught in traps in Lowndes County has increased from an average of nine per trap a month ago to an average of 786 per trap now -- a 9,000-percent increase.

The increase is attributed to standing water from recent flooding, which provide a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes can develop from egg to adult in as little as 10 days. Once born, they are most active from dusk to dawn and will fly up to 14 miles for a meal. Female mosquitoes feed on human blood while males feed on plant nectars.

The reason for the emergency stems from the threat of disease spread by these mosquitoes. No mosquito-borne disease has been detected in the area so far.

Health officials said West Nile and encephalitis are both threats at this time.

To cut down on the number of mosquitoes near your home, experts recommend:

• Replace all standing water weekly; this includes birdbaths, ponds and unfiltered pools.
• Remove unneeded vegetation or trash from around any standing water sources
• Screen windows, doors and other openings with mesh.
• Avoid going outdoors during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Use insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin whenever or wherever mosquitoes are likely to bite.