NEW HANOVER COUNTY–New Hanover County is spending “National Mosquito Control Awareness Week” by asking its residents to “help fight the bite.”
Related: Heavy rainfall this week expected to bring out mosquitoes. Here’s what you should do
The awareness week is the brainchild of the American Mosquito Control Association. In New Hanover County, mosquito season runs from May through November.
Do you know how to identify mosquitoes breeding in your yard? Mosquito eggs, larvae and pupae live in puddles of standing water. Learn about the lifecycles and #FightTheBite https://t.co/zsrHKyrue3 pic.twitter.com/IZk2AsBvZG
— NC DPH (@NCPublicHealth) June 26, 2018
Marie Hemmen, who specializes in mosquito control with New Hanover County Public Health Department, said the insects need just one tablespoon of water and one week to breed.
“They can carry diseases and be a nuisance, so it is important to have safe, effective, and continuous mosquito control and awareness in the community,” Hemmen said. “Residents can do their part and help prevent mosquitoes by dumping outdoor containers every five days around their homes.”
According to a press release from the county, Mosquito Control “uses a variety of prevention and control methods to reduce mosquito populations” in the county.
Related: New Hanover County warns residents to stay inside during this week’s mosquito spraying
“By monitoring traps, bodies of water, and coastal areas throughout the county for mosquito production, Public Health analyzes mosquito counts, species, and other data to determine areas with increased mosquito populations and how to treat them most effectively,” the release states.
Below are mosquito protection suggestions from New Hanover County:
- Dump water from all containers and store them inside or under cover. (For large containers or ponds that cannot be emptied, pick up a free larvicide kits (ZKits) available at the Government Center, 230 Government Center Drive, Suite 140, and the Public Health Department (2029 S. 17th St.) while supplies last.
- Tip, toss or clean out items that can hold water, including flower pot saucers, children’s toys, bird baths, boats, buckets, container lids, tarps, and tires.
- Clear roof gutters of debris.
- Plug tree holes.
- Reduce time spent outdoors, particularly in early morning and evening hours when mosquitoes are most active.
- Use screened windows and doors and make sure screens fit tightly and are not torn.
- Wear light-colored, long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
- Apply mosquito repellent on exposed skin. Repellents should contain active ingredients, such as DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, Picaridin, or IR3535. Follow all label directions.
Find out about the work of Mosquito Control, find a weekly spray map and schedule, and sign up to receive alerts when mosquito spraying is planned in your area, on the county’s website.
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