June 14, 2022 | From City of New Orleans
New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board to Conduct Adult Mosquito Abatement Tonight
NEW ORLEANS – The City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board (NOMTRCB) will conduct adult mosquito abatement tonight, June 14, in New Orleans East in the area bounded by I-10, Chef Menteur Highway, Bayou Sauvage and Lake Pontchartrain. Treatments will take place by truck from 8 p.m. to midnight, weather permitting. Routine surveillance has indicated an elevated number of mosquitoes in this area.
Mosquitoes lay eggs in any object or container that holds water and can develop from eggs to adults in less than a week. Residents should remain vigilant in emptying water-filled containers around the home and yard at least weekly to reduce mosquito breeding sites. Residents should remove outdoor trash and clutter including tires, buckets, tarps and any other items that can collect water, as well as make sure swimming pools and fountains are functional and circulating.
Residents can protect themselves from West Nile virus (WNV) by limiting outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, using EPA-approved insect repellents while outdoors.
Mosquito abatement activities tonight are targeting the Southern House mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus, the local vector of WNV. While most human infections are asymptomatic, common symptoms can include headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. In rare cases, the virus can cause serious symptoms, especially for immunocompromised individuals or those over age 65.
Residents can get more information on WNV by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website.
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 home.
- Use CDC-approved repellents containing EPA-registered active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon-eucalyptus.
- When using repellent, always follow the recommendations on the product label.
Protect Your Home
- Eliminate standing water around your home where mosquitoes breed.
- Remove trash and clutter and dispose of discarded tires or containers that can hold water. Turn over kiddie pools, buckets, trash cans, children's toys, plant pot trays or anything else that can collect water.
- Change water weekly in containers that cannot be removed such as bird baths or non-functional fountains. Scrub the sides of the containers to remove mosquito eggs that may have been deposited.
- Rain barrels and other water collection devices must be screened and collected water should be used within one week.
- Aerate ornamental pools, fountains and sugar kettles or stock them with fish.
- Report illegal dumping, water leaks or unattended swimming pools and by calling 311.
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 toward treatment and removal.
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