 MOSQUITO MANAGEMENT
The Milford Health Department’s Mosquito Control Program primarily focuses on preventive efforts by identifying and treating mosquito breeding sites, and community education about personal protection and how to minimize mosquitoes around the home. All Habitat Services, the mosquito control consultant for Milford, monitors 101 known established mosquito-breeding sites in Milford. These areas are routinely treated with biological larvicide in addition to catch basins and dozens of stagnant breeding pools. Throughout the year Sanitarians monitor and investigate complaints and conduct mosquito surveillance stemming from public concern.
Residents can actively reduce mosquitoes around the home by:
· Disposing of water-holding containers, such as ceramic pots, used tires, etc. outside the house.
· Drilling holes in the bottom of containers such as those used for recycling to keep them drained.
· Cleaning clogged roof gutters.
· Turning over objects that may trap water when not in use such as wading pools and wheelbarrows.
· Changing water in birdbaths on a weekly basis.
· Cleaning and chlorinating swimming pools, and covering the pool when not in use.
· Using landscaping to eliminate areas where water can collect on your property.
Recently, the State Mosquito Management Program announced that mosquitoes trapped in Milford on July 14, 2008 have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). These are the first WNV-positive mosquitoes identified in Milford by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) this year. The best way to protect yourself from West Nile Virus is to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes.
To avoid mosquito bites:
· Minimize time spent outdoors at dusk and dawn.
· Be sure door and window screens are tight fitting and in good repair.
· Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts.
· Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors.
· Cover infant carriers with mosquito netting.
· Consider using mosquito repellent when it is necessary to be outdoors and always use them according to label instructions. The most effective repellents contain DEET or Picaridin. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is also effective for brief periods of exposure.
· When using DEET, use the lowest concentration effective for the time spent outdoors (for example, 6% lasts approximately 2 hours and 20% for 4 hours) and wash treated skin when returning indoors.
· Do not apply under clothing, to wounds or irritated skin, the hands of children, or to infants less than 2 months.
· Permethrin-containing repellents (e.g., Permanone) are recommended for use on clothing, shoes, bed nets, and camping gear. Remember: don't use permethrin on skin.
For questions regarding the mosquito control program in Milford, please contact the Milford Health Department at 203-783-3285. For more information on statewide mosquito surveillance please visit the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program Web site at www.ct.gov/mosquito.
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