Release Date: July 16, 2008
Contact: Christine Patmon, Metro Health Public Relations Manager, 207-8638
Recent Rains and Hot, Humid Days Breed Unwanted Pests
Metro Health advises residents to be proactive to limit mosquitoes and fleas
Local residents may find themselves battling two different pests as our hot summer produces humid days and occasional rainfall. The alternating weather conditions are conducive to the growth of both mosquito and flea populations.
Recent rains may have led to water collection in and around yards and homes. Metro Health reminds residents to consistently clear their yards of containers that may collect water, as they can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The insects are not just irritating. They can carry diseases such as West Nile Virus and dengue fever, which could lead to serious or fatal results. Diabetics and people with organ transplants are at higher risk for severe disease.
“Certain mosquitoes are major carriers of disease and often populate in the backyards of homes because they are container-breeding insects,” said Vector Control Manager Leonard Mechler. “Please keep in mind that mosquitoes only need a thimble-size portion of standing or calm water to breed. So, be diligent about ridding your yard of any collection of water, unless it is well covered.”
The following are action steps property owners can take to reduce the mosquito population:
• Clean and/or repair rain gutters. They will hold water if they are full of leaves or if the slope is incorrect.
• Empty the water from containers such as buckets, soda cans, pet bowls, toys and small wading pools. Remove or invert them so they will not collect rain water.
• Fill any tree holes with sand so they will not hold water.
• Use tight-fitting screens on rainwater collection containers.
• Remove all old tires from your premise and dispose of them properly.
• Change bird bath water every three (3) days.
While the area has recently experienced intermittent rainfall, the overall heat and humidity of the season increases flea infestations which will likely remain an issue throughout the remainder of the summer. Fleas that have fed on animals like rats and opossums may carry diseases and could transmit them to people during a bite.
Although fleas don’t normally live on the human body, they are likely to bite people that have infested animals. A recognizable flea bite is a small, red and itchy bump usually on the ankles and lower legs.
Metro Health does not treat public or private areas for fleas but offers these tips to residents to avoid infestation.
• Treat your pet for fleas, using an appropriate retail product or see your veterinarian.
• Keep yards clean and free of rubbish.
• Keep pet bedding clean as well as flooring and furniture.
• Vacuum often and clean or remove bags after every use.
• Treat the yard with approved pesticides labeled for flea control. It may take several treatments to effectively remove the infestation.
• For heavy flea infestations, contract with a licensed pest control company.
For more information or to report a mosquito or rodent problem on public property, call Vector Control at 207-8853.
