Mosquitoes: Get Them Before They Get You

Posted in: Woodberry Forest
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  • pianotech
  • Respected Neighbor
  • Charlotte, NC
  • 15 Posts
  • Respect-O-Meter: Respected Neighbor

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.

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