A wet spring season can make conditions just right for mosquito breeding, and in recognition of National Mosquito Awareness Week June 21 to 27, 2015, Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes reminds County residents to be vigilant about emptying vessels that contain water and can attract mosquitoes.
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.
Mercer County recommends that families take the following measures all summer long to keep mosquito numbers low: Empty out water from containers in and around your backyard such as buckets, recycle bins, and potted plant saucers; store tires indoors or away from rain. Check for tire recycling programs in your area. Empty and replace water at least once for bird baths. Do not forget water plus 7 days equals mosquitoes. Make sure drain pipes slope downward. These drain pipes are dominated by Asian tiger mosquito immatures, and this species is an aggressive day biter. Maintain your pool; remove water from tarps and pool covers.
Residents can use any repellent endorsed by the EPA and CDC. My personal favorite one is oil of lemon eucalyptus followed by DEET and picaridin.
Along with mosquitoes, Executive Hughes urges residents to familiarize themselves with tick species that can put them at risk for severe illnesses such as Powassan virus Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease.
For more information about protecting your family from mosquitoes all summer long, as well as up-to-date information about mosquito borne diseases, contact Mercer County Mosquito Control (609) 530-7501.
