Drain your way to mosquito control

Heavy rains in June and July have created ideal conditions for a mosquito population boom. Technicians responding to mosquito calls have noted that many homes have items or areas that contain standing water – the ideal breeding condition for mosquitoes – and are significantly contributing to the mosquito problem. 

Pinellas County Mosquito Control asks all citizens to do their part to reduce the mosquito population. Remember that mosquitoes only need ¼ to ½-inch of standing water for the larvae to survive. Some simple suggestions are to:

¨     empty water from flowerpots, garbage cans, recycling containers, wheelbarrows, aluminum cans, boat tarps, old tires and buckets - any item that can hold water.

¨     flush birdbaths and wading pools weekly.

¨     flush ornamental bromeliads or treat with BTI, a biological larvicide available at home improvement stores.

¨     clean roof gutters, which can become clogged and hold water.

¨     change the water in outdoor pet dishes regularly.

¨     keep pools and spas chlorinated and filtered.

¨     stock ornamental ponds with mosquito-eating fish.

¨     cover rain barrels with screening.

¨     check for standing water under houses, near plumbing drains, under air conditioner drip areas, around septic tanks and heat pumps.

¨     take steps to eliminate standing water, improve drainage and prevent future puddling.

Protect your skin from mosquito bites when outdoors by wearing mosquito repellent (products containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus) or long-sleeve shirts and pants. The threat of virus, although minimal, is present throughout the year and precautions should be taken during outdoor activities.

By taking these simple preventative measures, citizens can help reduce the number of mosquitoes in our county and minimize mosquito-borne diseases. 

A video about mosquito control may be viewed atwww.youtube.com/pcctv1.

For more information on Pinellas County services and programs, visit www.pinellascounty.org, now with LiveChat, or create a shortcut to www.pinellascounty.org/mobile on any smartphone. Pinellas County government is on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Pinellas County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Reposted from Stella Mansfield