PREVENTING MOSQUITOES AND THEIR BITES

Salisbury, MD - The recent rainfall and expected warm temperatures may result in the increase of mosquitoes in our area. “The most effective way to prevent mosquitoes and their bites is for everyone to eliminate standing water around their homes.” said Lori Brewster, Wicomico County Health Officer.

Currently, the Zika virus is spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. While that specific species is not normally found in our area, the Asian Tiger mosquito is quite prevalent. These mosquitoes demonstrate a strong preference for breeding in small, man-made containers you probably don't even think about. This is very different from our native mosquitoes that tend to breed in wetlands of all types, including swamps and marshes.

Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance; they can also carry and spread serious diseases, including Zika. The good news is that homeowners can greatly reduce an infestation. We strongly encourage you to follow these simple steps below. It may be all you need to do to kill the buzz and take back your own yard.

Walk around your house, patio, garage, etc. and look carefully for anything that retains water – even just a little bit of water. If you find any, dump the water and either throw the item away or store it in or under something that does not collect water.

Tiger mosquitoes tend to remain at ground level, especially under ground covers such as English Ivy. Other favorite spots are under decks and shrubs, basement stairwells and crawl spaces. Tigers prefer containers with stagnant water (not fresh) that have accumulated sediment and organic matter. Here are some of the biggest culprits to look for:
Corrugated drain pipe off of downspouts. Each trough is a potential breeding ground. If you have many feet of drainpipe, consider replacing it with smooth PVC piping.
Children’s toys, especially plastic toys that have small areas where water can pool. Keep in mind that the toy itself may be very big, like a bike or a play house, but if it has handles or any indentation where water can pool in small amounts, it’s a breeding ground.
Tarps that hold water, even just a little.
Tires not on cars that are collecting water.
Plastic chairs, tables and all outside furniture, especially if it is upside down.
Flower pots, especially those with a saucer underneath it to catch water.
Wheel barrels stored improperly.
Anything that can hold small amounts of water. Even large things that hold water, like bird baths, usually have calm areas around the edges where mosquitoes can breed.
All containers, such as buckets, pails, water bottles, trash cans (including lids), storage totes, recycling containers, etc. Even if these items are kept upside down, water can often pool in the handles or lips of the container.

In addition to eliminating standing water, the Health Department encourages everyone to avoid mosquito bites by:

· Using an EPA-registered insect repellant. When used as directed, these insect repellents are proven safe and effective even for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

o Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months old. Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol on children younger than 3 years old.

· Treat items such as clothing and gear with permethrin or buy permethrin-treated clothes.

Do not use permethrin products directly on skin.

For more information, please visit www.wicomicohealth.org.