Recent heavy rains have created ideal conditions for increased mosquito breeding over most of the state, causing a nuisance and raising the potential for the spread of diseases carried by these insects.
Residents can help prevent mosquito problems by doing simple maintenance in their own yards.
Rainwater that collects in even the smallest containers or puddles provides a place for mosquitoes to lay eggs and for these eggs to grow into adults. It only takes a week for a mosquito to become fully grown, so water left even a short time will cause problems. Residents should change birdbath water at least every week, fix leaking outdoor faucets, clean gutters, empty water from flower pot dishes and throw away yard trash that can collect water, especially old tires. Ponds should be kept clean and stocked with fish to eat the growing mosquitoes before they become adults. Horse owners are reminded to get their horses vaccinated for Eastern Equine Encephalitis.