PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – With recent storms dumping significant amounts of rain in the region, Calvert County Mosquito Control asks residents to help combat mosquitoes by inspecting their properties for standing water that can serve as mosquito breeding sites.
Any area or container holding water for a week or more has the potential to produce hundreds or even thousands of mosquitoes looking for a meal. The best way to prevent mosquito bites is to get rid of mosquito breeding habitats.
Not only do mosquitoes make outdoor activities uncomfortable, the pests can spread diseases such as West Nile virus. Calvert County Mosquito Control encourages residents to take steps to eliminate standing water in yards by:
- Draining or dumping tarps, buckets and flower pots
- Keeping roof gutters free of leaves and other debris
- Disposing of cans, plastic containers and anything else that can hold water
- Covering or drilling holes in recycling containers or outside trashcans
- Turning over wheelbarrows, wading pools, children’s toys and other similar items
- Storing boats covered or upside down
- Cleaning water in birdbaths or wading pools regularly
- Filling in tree stump holes from blown over trees as soon as possible
To prevent mosquito bites, residents should wear long pants and long sleeves when outdoors; limit outdoor activities from dusk to dawn when adult mosquitoes are most active; use an approved insect repellent according to manufacturer’s instructions; and make sure windows and doors have proper screening.