[Archived] Alexandria Fights Mosquito Population

City Press Release


	City of Alexandria, Virginia Office of the City Manager Alexandria City Hall 301 King Street, Suite 3500 Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3211 www.alexandriava.gov Telephone: 703.838.4300 Fax : 703.838.6343

Alexandria Fights Mosquito Population

With spring here and the summer quickly approaching, the Alexandria Health Department is asking residents and businesses to help reduce the mosquito population by getting rid of places where mosquitoes breed. You can reduce mosquito annoyance from 5 percent to 50 percent in your yard and community by eliminating sites around the outside of the home that serve as habitats for mosquito larvae.

Scientists have discovered that mosquitoes can transmit a variety of diseases to both animals and humans, such as West Nile virus, an illness that can range from mild flu-like symptoms to encephalitis and death. Mild symptoms of the virus include fever, head and body aches, swollen lymph glands, and occasionally a skin rash. Young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of contracting the disease.

Mosquitoes breed in shallow pools of standing water. Hundreds of offspring can breed in just a tablespoon of standing water. The developmental cycle of mosquitoes can be completed within a week's time under ideal conditions. Consequently, residents should change the water in their birdbaths and wading pools at least twice a week. They also should make sure that unused buckets, wheelbarrows, and other devices that might collect rainwater are turned upside down for storage. Cleaning clogged roof gutters and aerating fishponds will also help in the effort.

People can protect against mosquito bites by avoiding outdoor activities in the early morning and at dusk. If participating in outdoor activities at these times, people should wear long sleeves and long pants. Insect repellant can help, too. It is recommended that adults use repellant with 50 percent or less DEET and children can use 30 percent or less DEET. The higher the concentration of DEET, the longer one is protected from mosquitoes.

• Additional ways to help control the mosquito population include:Dispose of cans, bottles, and plastic containers properly (Keep items to be recycled in storage containers)

• Discard old tires (Drill drainage holes in tires used as playground equipment)

• Do not leave trash can lids upside down or allow water to collect in the bottoms of trash cans
• Adjust tarps covering lawn and patio furniture, firewood, grills, boats, etc., to eliminate standing water
• Discard, remove or eliminate flowerpot holder trays
• Regrade drainage areas and clean out debris in ditches to eliminate standing water in low spots
• Fix leaky outdoor water faucets
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools
• Eliminate condensation puddles around air conditioners
• Do not leave pet food and water bowls outside while not in use

For more information, visit the Alexandria Health Department website at www.ci.alexandria.va.us/city/health/environmental_health.html, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile.

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