June 2, 2022 | From City of New Orleans
New Orleans Mosquito, Termite, Rodent and Control Board to Conduct Mosquito Abatement Tomorrow
NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Mosquito, Termite, and Rodent Control Board (NOMTRCB) will conduct larvicide treatments tomorrow, June 3, in the Lower 9th Ward in the area bounded by St. Claude Avenue, Jourdan Road, Florida Avenue and the parish line. Larvicide treatments will also take place in the Gentilly area bounded by Leon C. Simon Drive, Peoples Avenue, Filmore Avenue and Elysian Fields Avenue. Treatments will take place by truck from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., weather permitting.
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, aquatic life or any other animals or other insects, including honeybees.
NOMTRCB will routinely perform area-wide larvicide abatement by truck treatments this year in accordance with our integrated pest management program. Residents are asked 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. Residents are also encouraged inspect their homes and yards for containers that might be holding water after rain events.
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 and 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 four 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, follow NOMTRCB on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @nolamosquito.