The Athens-Clarke County Mosquito Control Program provides tips and resources to help keep citizens safe during the upcoming months. Mosquitoes that have fed on infected animals can transmit West Nile virus (WNV), LaCrosse encephalitis, and a variety of other diseases to humans, wildlife, and domestic animals.
- The
Athens-Clarke County Public Information Office has created a detailed
summary flyer, a presentation, and an informational brochure that
includes tips for controlling mosquitos and important contacts
for various problems and concerns. During the mosquito season,
the information will be inserted in all Athens-Clarke County Public
Utilities bills. These items are also available online file in
the Online
Documents section as PDF files
- Eliminating breeding sites is extremely important in reducing the mosquito population. Removing standing water is key. Almost anything that will hold water for as little as one week can produce mosquitoes. When in doubt, dump it out.
- Larvacide briquets for use in smaller areas of standing water that cannot be eliminated are available at all fire stations to Athens-Clarke County citizens at no cost. These briquets kill mosquito larvae before they become adults.
- ACC treats standing water that cannot be eliminated only on public property. Some natural areas such as Sandy Creek Nature Center instead use biological methods such as fish or are not treated in order to preserve natural balances. General spraying to kill adults will only be done as a last resort after review. To report public areas that may need treatment, call the ACC Transportation & Public Works Department at 706-613-3465.
- Overgrown lots and property containing trash or used for dumping will produce mosquito breeding sites. Report nuisance areas to the ACC Community Protection Division at 706-613-3790.
- Speakers are available to discuss mosquito control issues with community groups. To schedule a speaker, call the ACC Assistant Manager’s Office at 706-613-3020.
- Watch a series of mosquito control videos online.
- For questions not answered on this flyer or on mosquitomadness.com (links to this page), contact the ACC Public Information Office at 706-613-3795.
The best
methods to control mosquitoes are prevention and targeting mosquitoes
in the immature stages before they emerge as adults.
Mosquitoes that have fed on infected birds can transmit West Nile virus
(WNV), encephalitis, and a variety of diseases to humans, wildlife, domestic
animals. Other methods of transmission include
transfusions and organ transplants. WNV first appeared in Georgia in
2001.
The following
are steps that can be taken to eliminate breeding areas and minimize
bites:
- Eliminate standing water. When in doubt, dump it out.
- Use free larvacide briquets available at all ACC Fire Departments for water that cannot be eliminated.
- Dispose of any refuse that can hold water, especially tires. Almost anything that can hold water for a week - even a potato chip bag - can be a breeding area.
- Rain barrels may need larvacide briquets in them if insect screening / sealing is not used on openings.
- Check tarps, covers, and gutters that may collect water.
- Change water in plant containers and birdbaths at least weekly.
- Check areas and items after rain for standing water.
- Remove or trim excess vegetation such as ivy to eliminate adult mosquito resting areas.
- Stay indoors at dawn, dusk, and early evening when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear long sleeves, long pants, shoes, and socks when outside. Mosquitoes are less attracted to light-colored clothing.
- Use insect repellent. Products containing DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are recommended. Permethrin can be used on clothes only. Items containing DEET are the most effective. Products with 10-30% concentrations of DEET can be used on children over 2 months old. Higher percentages of DEET provide longer protection, although amounts over 30% do not provide much added protection. Use any repellent according to directions. Repellent can be used with sunscreen.
- Ultrasonic devices and traps have not been shown to provide a noticeable mosquito reduction. Backyard foggers may be helpful if needed, but avoid misters that can be scheduled. If any devices are used, continue using repellent and reducing standing water.
- Keep pets indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening; don’t apply mosquito repellent to animals.
- Sit by a fan to repel mosquitoes; they don’t like strong winds.
- Use proper light outside: incandescent lights attract mosquitoes, fluorescent lights neither attract nor repel mosquitoes.
For more
information on the Athens-Clarke County Mosquito Control program, please
contact the ACC Public Information Office at 706-613-3795.
Looking
for more information? Here's some helpful links:
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