St. Tammany Parish Mosquito Abatement has measured a significant increase in the number of floodwater mosquitoes collected in traps over recent days.
Mosquito production from a tropical system is often difficult to control, as mosquitoes continue to produce in not easily accessible areas.
While these mosquitoes are not typically vectors of diseases like West Nile virus (WNV), they are a tremendous nuisance to our residents who are trying to repair homes and clean debris in the aftermath of the storm.
When working or playing outdoors, consider wearing a CDC-recommended, EPA approved mosquito repellent such as those containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Peak biting time is an hour before and after sunrise and sunset.
Our pilots and night drivers are performing aerial and ground treatments across the parish in areas experiencing a surge in mosquitoes. Residents who are still without power are particularly encouraged to monitor our treatment plans, so that they are able to close any open windows in advance of a treatment. The treatment schedule will be posted each day on our Facebook page – @STPMAD, on the website at https://stpmad.org/treatment-schedule/, or you can sign up to receive an automated phone call, text or email https://stpmad.org/request-notification/.
Residents can also help to reduce the number of mosquitoes around their homes by taking the following steps: Dump and drain any containers holding water in your yard. Mosquitoes only need a small amount of water to lay their eggs, so look for all potential sources. Take the time to clean your gutters. Clogged gutters hold water and our biologists are finding this to be a big problem in many areas. Make sure your septic system is functioning properly. Malfunctioning systems attract more of our primary vector species – the southern house mosquito. Get those swimming pools cleaned out and functioning properly again. If the pool isn’t circulating because of lack of power and can’t be treated or maintained it could be a significant source of mosquitoes. Contact our office if you are unable to have it serviced, we can help reduce the mosquitoes until it is functioning properly again. Contact us if you have root ball voids in your yard that are a source of mosquito production.
For additional information, please call St. Tammany Parish Mosquito Abatement office (985) 643-5050.
