People urged to help control mosquitoes

Staff and wire report

The Hill County Mosquito Control District and public health officials are urging people to take steps to keep the number of the blood-sucking insects down and to protect themselves.

Each year around this time, public health officials remind residents that the yearly onslaught of mosquitoes and their bites is just around the corner, and in many areas these fierce pests are already peaking.

Josh Miller of the Hill County Mosquito Control District said last week the district began mosquito fogging June 6, but with recent weather conditions, fogging has been a challenge.

“We try to hit each section of the district at least once a week, but twice is ideal,” he said. “We follow a pretty strict schedule, so if we haven’t been to your area within the week, we will be as soon as weather allows us to. Sometimes we get behind on our routes when we have to cancel, so we do appreciate the public’s patience.”

The American Mosquito Control Association — AMCA — has some general information and tips to help people avoid bites from these vicious blood-suckers.

In any given county within the United States, there are typically more than 30 different types, or species, of mosquitoes. The differences between these species can be very small, but at the same time, they can be quite dramatic. For instance, some species of mosquitoes never bite people, rather they prefer birds or amphibian hosts. Certain mosquito species prefer to feed during the daytime, while others feed at night. Regardless of these differences, all mosquito species have a similar life cycle that is dependent upon water.

Standing water, bare skin and dark clothing are three things that attract mosquitoes. AMCA recommends people follow the three D’s to keep mosquitoes away:

• Drain: Empty out water containers at least once per week

• Dress: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing

• Defend: Properly apply an EPA-registered repellent such as DEET, picaridin, IR 3535 or oil of lemon-eucalyptus

Miller said the district has samples of a mosquito repellent that’s an alternative to DEET.

“Folks are welcome to stop by and grab a bottle at our office,” he said.

The office is at 1405 Second St. West in the Road Department Shop Complex.

“Additionally, we have shakers of flakes to place in standing water on your property to prevent and treat mosquito breeding grounds,” Miller added. “Those are located at Havre Hardware or Ezzies for free to the anyone in the district.”

He said if anyone has questions or concerns, they can reach out to Mosquito Control District Supervisor Terry Turner or Miller at the office by calling 406-265-4453. Miller added that the district posts route information, local mosquito disease test results, tips and other important information on the Hill County Weed and Mosquito District Facebook page.

One of the primary keys to effectively minimize mosquito activity around the home is to remove any source of standing water, AMCA said in a release. Many mosquito-producing areas are large and extensive and can only be treated with specialized equipment and methods by trained employees of the local mosquito abatement district or agency.

“There are many things that each homeowner can do to reduce the mosquitoes found in their backyard and neighborhood,” AMCA’s Technical Advisor Daniel Markowski said. “Essentially, all standing water should be eliminated.”

Dispose of all useless containers and those that are saved should be turned upside down. Tires, especially, can readily breed thousands of mosquitoes. Recycling containers should have holes drilled into their bottom to allow for drainage of rainwater or tight-fitting lids. Roof gutters and drainage ditches should be maintained and cleared of debris.

Fish will readily eat mosquitoes and, therefore, should be placed in ornamental ponds. The water in bird baths, fountains, and troughs should be changed weekly. Swimming pools and wading pools should be kept emptied when not in use and covered so that water cannot collect in them or the cover. Similarly, boats should be covered or turned over for storage. Finally, properly screening windows and doors will help keep mosquitoes and other biting insects outside the home or patio.

“Encouraging your neighbors to also eliminate sources on their own property can be critical to a community-wide mosquito control program,” Markowski said. “Remember, though, mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance. Their bites can spread diseases such as Zika and West Nile Virus.”

Mosquitoes are responsible for causing more human suffering than any other animal. Therefore, everyone must be prepared to prevent mosquitoes from developing and protect ourselves when they are around through sustained safe and effective mosquito control measures and through the use of protective personal repellents.

AMCA stresses mosquito-borne diseases do not only affect humans — they also kill countless birds, reptiles, dogs, horses and endangered species each year. Awareness of these diseases — including canine heartworm, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Western Equine Encephalitis — is another important component of mosquito control the general public must embrace.

Public health officials recommend working together, and support the local mosquito control professionals to have a healthy and mosquito-free summer for everyone.