A wet spring season can make conditions just right for mosquito breeding and, in recognition of National Mosquito Awareness Week June 21-27, 2015, Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes reminds County residents to be vigilant about emptying vessels that contain water and can attract mosquitoes.
Mr. Hughes noted that, even though the County runs a highly sophisticated Mosquito Control program to safeguard the health of residents and has embarked on a multi-year study of the Asian Tiger mosquito, mosquitoes remain a reality in the area throughout the warmer months. The county’s nationally recognized Mosquito Control operation is on the cutting edge of mosquito management and is also known for its aggressive response efforts when residents call for help. Traditionally, every spring, mosquito inspectors treat mosquito habitats such as flooded areas, woodland pools, and catch basins for mosquito larvae. They also respond to every service opportunity they receive and take measures to help residents with their mosquito problems. To ameliorate the risks from mosquitos to local residents, our mosquito control office practices what is known as Integrated Mosquito Management (or IMM) to suppress mosquito populations in Mercer County; therefore both larval and adult surveillance programs are the backbone of our operations.
Along with mosquitoes, Executive Hughes urges residents to familiarize themselves with tick species that can put them at risk for severe illnesses such as West Nile virus, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Lyme disease.
Mercer County recommends that families take the following measures all summer long to keep themselves safe and healthy:
- Empty all open containers and other sources of standing water
- Invest in citronella candles, torches, or oil lamps—more environmentally friendly than “bug zappers” that release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
- Consider enclosing your balcony, porch, or deck with mosquito netting
- Use bug spray at all times and make sure to reapply frequently
- Help children check themselves for ticks, and teach kids what different kinds of ticks look like
- Give pets regular doses of anti-flea/tick medication, and check them for ticks several times per week
- For extra protection, wear long-sleeve clothing and closed-toe shoes when outdoors between dusk and dawn
For more information about protecting your family from ticks and mosquitoes all summer long, as well as up-to-date information about mosquito and tick-borne diseases, contact Mercer County Mosquito Control (609) 530-7516.
