Mosquito Abatement
Spraying for mosquitos is done during the spring and summer months in the evenings. The City uses two methods of abatement, "fogging" (adulticiding) and larviciding. "Fogging" (adulticiding) is done over two consecutive nights from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on a bi-weekly basis to cover the entire city until nighttime temperatures go below 60 degrees. This “fogging” method is what most people are familiar with seeing and is the most effective treatment. Briquettes and granules (larviciding ) are used in areas holding water to treat mosquitos in their larvae stage.
- Apply insect repellent to exposed skin when you go outdoors. The most effective repellents contain DEET.
- Use care in applying repellent to children; do not put repellent on their hands, and be careful to avoid their mouth and eyes. Products containing 10% or less DEET are the most appropriate for children aged 2-12 years.
- Whenever possible, wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, long pants, and socks while outdoors.
- Spray clothing with repellents containing DEET or permethrin, because mosquitos may bite through thin clothing.
- Consider staying indoors between dusk and dawn which is peak mosquito biting time.
- Avoid activities in area where mosquitos are plentiful.
- Fix or install window and door screens to keep mosquitos out of buildings.
- Mosquitos lay their eggs in standing water. To avoid helping mosquitos breed in your environment, drain standing water.
- Flower pots
- Pet bowls
- Clogged rain gutters
- Swimming pool covers
- Discarded tires
- Buckets, barrels, and cans
- Any other items that collect water in which mosquitoes can lay eggs.
