April 20, 2022 | From City of New Orleans
New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board Begins Larval Mosquito Abatement Across Orleans Parish Today
NEW ORLEANS— The City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite, and Rodent Control Board (NOMTRCB) begins conducting pre-season larval mosquito abatement across Orleans Parish today. Over the next two weeks, they will be applying larvicide treatments by truck to the Lower 9th Ward as well as areas above I-610, including Lakeview, Gentilly, and Desire.
Larvicide treatments target the immature stages of mosquitoes that breed in natural water bodies such as roadside ditches and swales, or in man-made containers such as tires, buckets, cemetery vases, kiddie pools, or other trash and debris.
NOMTRCB uses biological larvicides that are derived from naturally occurring soil bacteria. These products are highly effective and have been used in mosquito control for over 30 years. They work by killing mosquito larvae before they complete their life cycle and become flying, biting adults. These larvicides are non-toxic and only affect mosquitoes and flies. They will not harm people, pets or other animals, aquatic life, or other insects, including honeybees.
NOMTRCB will routinely perform area-wide larval mosquito abatement by truck treatments this year in accordance with its integrated pest management program. The City asks residents to remain vigilant and to turn over or remove any items that hold water to prevent mosquito breeding. Residents should expect elevated mosquito activity in the next days and weeks with warmer weather and frequent spring storms. NOMTRCB requests residents inspect their homes and yards after rain events for containers that might be holding water.
Residents should call 311 or visit https://nola311.org/ to report mosquito issues such as tire piles, abandoned pools, or areas with standing water that do not drain properly.
For additional information on West Nile virus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/prevention.htm.
SAFETY TIPS
Protect Yourself
- Reduce mosquito exposure by limiting outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.
- Use air-conditioning and make sure window and door screens are in good condition to prevent mosquitoes from getting inside.
- The CDC recommends using repellents containing EPA-registered active ingredients including DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- When using insect repellent, always follow the recommendations on the product label.
Protect Your Home
- Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed.
- Remove trash and clutter, dispose of discarded tires and containers that can hold water. Turn over wading pools, buckets, trash cans, children's toys, or anything that can collect water.
- Change water weekly in containers that cannot be removed such as pet dishes or bird baths. Scrub the side of the containers with a sponge or brush each week to remove mosquito eggs.
- Rain barrels and other water collection devices must be screened. Collected water should be used within one week.
- Aerate ornamental pools, fountains and sugar kettles or stock them with mosquitofish.
- Report illegal dumping, water leaks, and unattended swimming pools by calling 311.
- Call 311 to report other mosquito problems.
Report Tires
- Tires are easily filled with rainwater and collect leaves and litter, providing ideal breeding conditions for mosquito larvae. Removal of scrap tires will eliminate a prolific mosquito habitat.
- Residents can call 311 to request a bulk waste pickup of up to 4 tires. Tires should be stacked curbside next to city-issued trash containers.
- Tires in front of abandoned lots, unoccupied properties, or businesses are ineligible for pick up and will not be collected. This issue is currently being addressed through city-coordinated, cooperative efforts towards treatment and removal.
For more information and updates, please follow NOMTRCB on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @nolamosquito.
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