Expert: Robert Clark - 6/30/2009

Question
Hi Robert,

Is there better areas of Grand Cayman to live that have
fewer mosquitoes than others. I have seen some information
regarding the West End (Barkers National Park) Is this a
factor where mossie's are concerned Is this true?

Secondly, the location of the airport, which direction does
air traffic arrive into the airport. Does it arrive from the
Northern area, encroaching over any part of the island, like
West Bay or Rum point?

Thank you in advance,

Glenn.

Answer
Glenn
Unusual questions!

I'd say the more populous areas probably have fewer mosquitoes (mainly because there is less stagnant water) eg George Town, Seven Mile Beach, some of West Bay.  However, Cayman has a very active Mosquito Research & Control Unit that includes ground and air sprayings of open water areas that the mosquitos are likely to use for breeding.  For further details see their website at http://www.gov.ky/pls/portal/url/page/cighome/find/organisations/azagencies/mrc and http://www.radiocayman.gov.ky/servlet/page?_pageid=644&_dad=portal30&_schema=POR... for schedule of sprayings.  They also have informaiton on how to reduce the chances of bites at http://www.cayman.gov.ky/servlet/page?_pageid=678&_dad=portal30&_schema=PORTAL30...

Owen Roberts International Airport runway runs almost West to Wast (actually 260deg to 80deg).  Incoming airlines (from the US or north) usually fly parallel to Seven Mile Beach before turning left to fly over the south part of George Town to land.  Flights from Jamaica usually fly along the south coast before turning right to come into land.  Usual take-off is to the East, fly over North Sound and then turn off to their destination.  

If you are worried about flight noise, then I would suggest you don't want to live in the Tropical Gardens area.  It isn't so much airlines coming in to land, but the 7am flights to Miami that can disturb your sleep!  

Hope this helps!


Regards
Robert
http://www.gotocayman.com