Credit: Wikimedia
The Falls Township board approved a mosquito management program in preparation for the 2016 season.
The $11,610 contract with Clarke Environmental Mosquito Management Inc., instructs them to perform a variety of mosquito mitigation services, including trapping and testing of adult mosquitoes for diseases, including West Nile Virus and Zika virus. Other services include targeted mosquito sprays in designated areas.
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As is the case in previous years, Falls Township residents living in or near the vicinity of mosquito spraying operations will be notified in advance.
Supervisors Chairman Bob Harvie said the township intends to be even more “aggressive” with mosquito control this year.
“We’re the only municipality that actually does our own mosquito control program in conjunction with the county,” Harvie said.
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Tips for residents to help reduce mosquitoes, according to Falls officials.
- Eliminate standing water
Mosquitoes breed in stagnant or slow-moving water. Remove water from broken or clogged rain gutters, old tires, leaky air-conditioners or outdoor faucets, boats, street gutters, holes in trees, catch basins, low spots on your property, watering cans and wheelbarrows. Anything that has been holding water for over a week is probably producing mosquitoes.
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2. Landscape with mosquitoes in mind
Remove low-lying brush or vegetation. Keep shrubs and trees well-trimmed and grass short. This will decrease moisture and increase wind and sun exposure, making your lawn far less attractive to mosquitoes.
3. Use bug lights
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Yellow bug lights, LED lights and sodium lamps do not attract mosquitoes. Changing bulbs near doors, windows and porches can be helpful in preventing mosquitoes from swarming your property.
