VALDOSTA, Ga. (WTXL)--The City of Valdosta says to use these tips to deal with those pesky mosquitoes:
§ Dispose of items around your property that collect water. Breeding sites are not always obvious and may be areas of standing water, such as a bird bath, flower pot or an old tire. However, these sites may be producing hundreds of new mosquitoes each day in your area.
§ Use larvicide where standing water cannot be removed. Free larvicide tablets are available to city residents at the City of Valdosta Public Works Department, at 1017 Myrtle Street, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
§ Stock ornamental ponds with mosquito eating fish.
§ Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor spas, saunas and hot tubs; keep them covered when not in use.
§ Clean out clogged gutters.
§ Eliminate weeds and tall grass, and keep lawns closely mowed, as these also become mosquito breeding sites.
§ Use insect repellent containing DEET when outdoors. The CDC also recommends repellents that contain the chemical Picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus.
§ Protect yourself by wearing light-colored clothing, as well as tightly-woven long pants and long-sleeved shirts when appropriate and when you are outdoors during times that mosquitoes are most active.
For more information and tips, watch the City of Valdosta's channel 17, sign up for the city’s E-News blasts at www.valdostacity.com/publicinformation, or call the Public Works Department at (229) 259-3590.
