News

September 9, 2021 | From City of New Orleans

City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board to Conduct Mosquito Abatement Tonight

NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board (NOMTRCB) will conduct post-hurricane adult mosquito abatement by tonight in the area bounded by the Mississippi River, Jefferson Parish Line, Leake Avenue, Tchoupitoulas Street, Jefferson Avenue, S. Claiborne Avenue, and I-10/Pontchartrain Expressway and the Lower Coast of Algiers. Treatments will be conducted by truck from 7:45 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., weather permitting.

 

Heavy rainfall and high tide from Hurricane Ida has increased mosquito populations by creating breeding habitat. Mosquitoes lay eggs in flood water or any object that holds water and can develop from eggs to adults in less than a week. Loss of power to circulate fountains and swimming pools combined with rain-filled containers can increase populations of the Southern House mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus, the vector of West Nile virus. Pockets of flood water and high tide in marshes can also increase nuisance mosquito populations.

 

While most human West Nile 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 people that are above 65 years old or immunocompromised. NOMTRCB is urging people to protect themselves from mosquito bites by using EPA-approved insect repellents, wearing lightweight long-sleeved shirts, and sitting in a screened area if possible. This is very important right now, as residents are spending more time outdoors in the evenings and leaving windows and doors open at night to stay cool with no power. We also ask residents to turn over any items around the home and yard that are holding water, such as kiddie pools, plastic sheeting, children’s toys, trash or debris.

   

For additional information about West Nile virus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/prevention.htm.

SAFETY TIPS

Protecting Yourself

  • Limit outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.

  • Use air-conditioning and make sure window and door screens do not have holes to prevent mosquitoes from getting inside.  

  • If outside for long periods of time, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
  • Use insect 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.

Protecting Your Home

  • Eliminate standing water around your home.

  • 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 could 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 soap and a sponge to remove any eggs.
  • 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 and unattended swimming pools by calling 311.
  • Call 311 or email mosquitocontrol@nola.gov to report 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.

 

Report Mosquito Issues

Residents are encouraged to contact NOMTRCB with any other questions or concerns regarding mosquitoes at (504) 658-2400 or mosquitocontrol@nola.gov.

 

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @nolamosquito.

 

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