Local residents battle mosquitoes

By Sandy Morris

Standing water and recent heavy rainfall have created ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes but have also prevented the city from being able to spray to remove the pesky insects. 

Albany water plant supervisor Michael Graham said recent weather conditions have kept city crews from fogging the town.

“The humidity has been too high for us to spray for mosquitoes,” said Graham. “Humidity will latch onto the spray and drop it down to the ground, and it won’t do any good.”

Graham said he is monitoring the weather and hopes to be able to start spraying soon.

“It looks like we may finally get a break in the rain and get a chance to dry out some,” Graham said. “If that happens, we can start spraying next week.” 

He added that  crews will be working to get all areas of town sprayed including the Fandangle grounds.

“We are going to try to get everything sprayed as quickly as we can,” he said. “Those who don’t want their property sprayed need to contact the city office.”

Citizens can do their part in the battle against developing mosquitoes by preventing standing water whenever possible to eliminate breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Livestock and pet water bowls should be changed and rinsed out regularly.  Grass should be cut low, weeds should be cut down,  and old tires should be thrown away. 

Tall grass and weeds can offer protection to standing water and also serve as locations for adult mosquitoes to rest during the day.

Holes in trees that hold water should be filled using silicone calking or expandable, water resistant insulation foam.

Prevention

Mosquitoes can bite during both the day and night.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to help protect yourself from mosquito bites, according to the Center for Disease Control.

Use an Environmental Protection Agency approved insect repellent according to the directions on the label. 

EPA-approved repellents include DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, and 2-undecanone.

Create a barrier by covering up with long sleeves and pants treated with an approved permethrin product.

Keep mosquitoes out by ensuring all doors and windows have screens that are in good repair.

Cover baby strollers and carriers with mosquito netting.

The best way to protect yourself and your family is to prevent mosquito breeding and bites. It’s important to be vigilant against mosquitoes, because they can bite day and night and live both indoors and outdoors.