Simple Steps to Limiting Mosquitoes

Does it seem to you that the mosquitoes are everywhere this summer? Here is some helpful information from our local experts on what is going on in Clark County and what you can do to limit the critters where you live!

Clark County Public Health created the following video regarding local Mosquito Control which is currently posted on their website at: http://www.clark.wa.gov/public-health/about/mosquito.html. We have reposted the video here with their permission.

And, here is some help for what you can do which was recently posted on the http://www.clark.wa.gov/ website:

Recent record rainfall and high water have greatly expanded mosquito habitat across Clark County, resulting in a 150 percent increase in service calls to the Clark County Mosquito Control District compared with the same time last year.

“Residents in some areas are understandably concerned,” said Steve Kessler, the district’s operations manager. “The good news is that the vast majority of mosquitoes currently out and about are the ‘floodwater’ species, which doesn’t transmit West Nile Virus.”

The Mosquito Control District does not spray for adult mosquitoes at individual residences or neighborhoods. Eliminating mosquito habitat is the best way to control their numbers. Residents can do their part by eliminating breeding sources on their properties.

To prevent mosquitoes from breeding:

• Empty water from items such as old tires, containers, pots and plastic ground covers.
• Change water in bird baths, ponds, pet dishes and animal troughs twice a week.
• Repair leaking faucets and sprinklers.
• Clean clogged gutters.
• Cover trash containers.
• Properly maintain pools and spas, and ensure covers do not hold pockets of water.
• Fill in grassy areas that have standing water.

Near rivers where it is not practical to eliminate mosquito habitat, mosquito control crews use biological larvicide to treat mosquito larvae before they hatch. Each year, crews also treat tens of thousands of storm drains and catch basins to reduce mosquito populations at the source. Treating adult mosquitoes is less effective and yields temporary results; crews fog public areas only as a last resort.

To prevent mosquito bites, residents are reminded to apply mosquito repellent and wear protective clothing when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk, and install or repair screens on windows and doors.

With continued dry weather, the mosquito problem likely will ease, said Kessler.

For more information on the county’s mosquito abatement program, see www.clark.wa.gov/public-health/about/mosquito.html.