The City of Midland is encouraging the community to take steps now to avoid a bad mosquito season.
With recent rains and the springtime upon us, standing water provides a breeding spot for mosquitoes that carry harmful diseases. Weeds, tall grass and bushes also provide an outdoor resting place for these pesky insects. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 183 human cases of West Nile in Texas in 2013. In 2014, there were 379 cases, and in 2015, there were 252 cases.
The City of Midland is working to treat public areas with standing water and mow areas with tall grass. On private property, Midlanders are encouraged to drain and remove items from their own yards that might make for a good mosquito breeding ground, such as unused tires, cans, unused pools, pool covers, and receptacles intended to collect rainwater. Citizens can also apply mosquito “dunks,” or larvacide, to pools of standing or stagnant water to kill mosquito larvae before they reach the adult stage.
Other tips for eliminating mosquito habitats before they can grow:
• Eliminate any standing water that collects on your property.
• Remove all discarded tires from your property.
• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or similar water-holding containers.
• Make sure roof gutters drain properly. Clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. If not in use, keep them empty and covered.
• Drain water from pool covers.
• Change the water in bird baths at least every three or four days.
• Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Repair or replace all screens in your home that have tears or holes.
• Remind or help neighbors to eliminate mosquito-breeding sites on their properties.
Citizens can report grass and weeds that have grown taller than 18 inches by calling Code Compliance at 432-685-7410 or using the “Report a Concern” module at www.midlandtexas.gov.
Don’t forget the three D’s of mosquito control:
DRESS to avoid mosquito bites by wearing long, loose and light-colored clothing,
Use insect repellents that contain DEET, and DRAIN any standing water!
###Media Contact: Public Information Officer Sara Bustilloz