NEW ORLEANS – The City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board (NOMTRCB) will be conducting post-hurricane control on adult mosquitoes in Algiers tonight. Treatments are carried out by truck from 7.45pm to 11.30pm, weather permitting.
Heavy rains and floods from Hurricane Ida are expected to increase mosquito populations by creating breeding habitats. 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 fountains and swimming pools combined with rain-filled tanks can increase the population of the southern house mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus, the vector of the West Nile virus (WNV). Floods and floods in swamps can also disrupt mosquito populations.
While most human West Nile infections are asymptomatic, common symptoms can include a headache, aching limbs, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash. In rare cases, the virus can cause serious symptoms, especially in people who are over 65 years of age or who are immunocompromised.
NOMTRCB urges people to protect themselves from mosquito bites by using EPA-approved insect repellants, wearing lightweight long sleeved shirts, and sitting in a screened area if possible. This is very important right now, as residents spend more time outdoors in the evening and leave windows and doors open at night to stay cool without electricity. We also ask residents to hand over all objects in the house and garden that carry water, such as children’s pools, plastic sheeting, children’s toys, rubbish or rubble.
For more information on West Nile Virus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
SAFETY TIPS
Protect yourself
- Limit outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.
- Use air conditioning and make sure window and door grilles don’t have holes to keep mosquitoes out.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants if you are outside for long periods of time.
- Use insect repellants with EPA registered agents, including DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or lemon eucalyptus oil.
- When using insect repellant, always follow the recommendations on the product label.
Protect 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 paddling pools, buckets, trash cans, children’s toys, or anything that could collect water.
- Change the water in containers that cannot be removed, such as a cup of water, every week. B. animal bowls 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 sieved and the collected water should be used within a week.
- Ventilate 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 Moskitocontrol@nola.gov to report mosquito problems.
Report tires
- The tires can easily be filled with rainwater and collect leaves and waste, which provides ideal breeding conditions for mosquito larvae. Removing scrap tires will eliminate a productive mosquito habitat.
- Residents can call 311 to request a bulky waste pickup of up to four tires. Tires should be stacked on the side of the road next to the city-issued dumpsters.
- Tires in front of abandoned properties, uninhabited properties or shops cannot and will not be picked up. This issue is currently being addressed through city-coordinated, collaborative treatment and removal efforts.
Report mosquito problems
Residents are encouraged to contact NOMTRCB at (504) 658-2400 or Moskitocontrol@nola.gov with any other questions or concerns about mosquitoes.
Follow NOMTRCB on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @nolamosquito.
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