To combat threats and minimize human/mosquito the city of Clinton’s Public Works Department mobilizes resources for prevention and control of mosquitoes. Efforts used in the eradication of mosquito borne illness include public education, habitat modification, use of predators, and, when necessary, application of mosquito larvicides and adulticides specifically evaluated and registered by the EPA for mosquito control.
Free Larvicide Tablets
The Clinton Public Works Department has free Larvicide tablets available to Clinton residents. Tablets may be picked up at the Public Works Department at 525 Springridge Road each weekday from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. Larvicide tablets treat areas of standing water to kill mosquito larvae before they can mature. Tablets are distributed on the surface of stagnant water locations. Larvicides will last only a few weeks in water and pose no danger to humans, non-targeted animal species or the environment when used according to directions.
Spraying
The Clinton Public Works Department sprays for species of mosquitos that carry west nile virus throughout the city. Many residents will not see the spraying due to the hours of operation to make spraying most effective.
Spraying for mosquitos is most effective in the evening after sunset and on rain free days. Therefore, the public works department sprays for mosquitos between sunset and sunrise. While the trucks may not be seen due to the late hour of the spraying, each week the department sprays all 174 miles of street in the city.
Residents
In the meantime, individuals can do their part by eliminating mosquito breeding habitat around their homes and preventing bites through the use of long-sleeve clothing and EPA-registered repellents such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and oil of lemon-eucalyptus.
The most effective and economical method of mosquito prevention is dumping out containers around the home that create a habitat for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. These containers should either be dumped out every three days, or covered to prevent collecting water.
AMCA Encourages You to Remember the 3 D’s to Mosquito Prevention:
- DUMP and DRAIN: Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can breed
- DUSK and DAWN: Stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active
- DEFEND: Prevent mosquito bites by wearing approved insect repellents
It’s particularly important for women who are pregnant or attempting to get pregnant to avoid travelling to areas of active Zika infection. Further recommendations can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/zika/