Mosquitoes present both a public health concern and a community
nuisance to citizens, particularly with emerging mosquito-transmitted
diseases such as West Nile virus, Eastern equine, and LaCrosse
encephalitis. However, the more we know about mosquitoes, the
more we can do to address the problem and reduce their numbers
within our neighborhood.
The best way to combat mosquitoes in our area is to manage any
standing water sources around the home which might support their
breeding. Pooled water is where adults lay their eggs and where the
larvae develop, feeding upon any plant matter found within the
source (leaves, algae, etc.). Water that is clear of debris is no threat;
it's once the water becomes contaminated with plant matter that it
becomes a potential breeding site.
To prevent mosquito breeding, make sure to clean out your bird
baths regularly and unclog any gutters that may be full of leaves,
causing water to back up. Periodically flush the water at the bottom
of plant pots and turn unused buckets and pots upside down. Most
adult mosquitoes live about 2-3 weeks so once the breeding source
has been eliminated it is only a short time before the present adults
die off and therefore relieving the problem.
If you have removed all standing water sources around the home
and are continuing to experience a mosquito problem, or have a
creek or ditch near your home that appears to have standing water,
then various physical, chemical, or biological control measures may
need to be put in place by the Public Health Pest Management &
Environmental Services section of the Mecklenburg County Health
Department. They can be reached at 704-336-5554; or by email at
dennis.salmen@mecklenburgcountync.gov.
