Reducing breeding habitats is key strategy for Mercer Mosquito Control
Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes notes that even though the County runs a highly sophisticated Mosquito Control program to safeguard the health of residents, mosquitoes, which can carry insect-borne diseases, remain a reality in the area throughout the warmer months. However, there are measures that residents can take to help control the population.
“Mosquitoes are a backyard problem, and community involvement is crucial for success in controlling them,” Mr. Hughes said.
“I urge our residents to take some simple measures, such as eliminating standing water in and around their homes, to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes.”
Female mosquitoes lay eggs on the walls of water-filled containers. To keep those eggs from hatching and becoming adult mosquitoes, residents should do the following:
- Empty out water from containers in your yard such as buckets, recycle bins and potted-plant saucers.
- Store tires indoors or away from rain. Check for tire recycling programs in your area.
- Empty and replace water in bird baths at least once a week. Remember: water plus seven days equals mosquitoes.
- Make sure drain pipes slope downward. These drain pipes are dominated by Asian tiger mosquito immatures, and this species is an aggressive day biter.
- Maintain your pool. Remove water from tarps and pool covers.
Other steps residents can take include keeping mosquitoes out of the home by installing or repairing window screens and using air conditioning when available; and preventing mosquito bites by using an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent with an active ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD).
Mosquito Control to the rescue!
Mr. Hughes said Mercer County Mosquito Control practices what is known as Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) to suppress local mosquito populations, making both larval and adult surveillance programs the backbone of its operations. To see the team in action, watch the Mercer County Mosquito Control video!
Mercer County Mosquito Control is actively fighting mosquitoes during the summer and early fall. To receive email alerts regarding spraying, click here and enter your email address for Mosquito Control news.
For Mosquito Control service, submit your request online here