It’s spring, and that means lots of rain.
With lots of rain comes puddles and pooling, and dangers can begin.
The Trumbull Monroe Health District (TMHD) reminds residents and homeowners to remove any standing water from their property after any significant rainfall. Mosquitoes breed around the home and can be reduced significantly. The warm weather is on its way and so are the mosquitoes.
“The heavy rains over the past few weeks have made the ideal breeding habitats for the mosquitoes,” said Patrice Sulik, TMHD director of health. “TMHD encourages all residents to take the following steps to prevent West Nile virus this year.”
• Remove objects that can hold standing water, such as tin cans, tires, buckets, or bottles.
• Fill in holes, ditches, or tree trunks with sand or cement.
• Clean house gutters on a regular basis.
• Empty wading pools and bird baths every 4 to 7 days.
• Chlorinate swimming pools regularly.
• Eliminate collected water on boat and pool covers.
• Avoid over-watering of lawns.
• Fix holes in screens and attach properly to windows.
• Take personal protections to limit your exposure to mosquitoes, particularly mosquitoes infected with the West Nile virus.
• Limit outdoor activities from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear clothing that minimizes bare skin.
• Use mosquito repellents on clothing.
• Follow the directions on labels for insecticides or repellents.
• Cover arms and legs of children playing near standing water.
• Cover playpens or carriages with mosquito netting.
West Nile virus can cause a range of symptoms, from very mild to severe. The elderly and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk. Residents are urged to avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. Insect repellant can be used when outdoors in mosquito-infested areas.
Available at TMHD are larvicide briquettes and mosquito control information. The bacterial larvicide is called BTI, which is used for mosquito larval control in a broad range of fresh and salt marsh habitats. It uses a naturally occurring bacteria, and provides 30 days of protection.
Briquettes may be purchased at TMHD, 2 Corporate Drive, Suite 116, Trumbull, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Briquettes are $1 each. They may also be purchased at your local hardware store.
For more information, call the TMHD at 203-452-5195.