After a recent increase in rainfall and butterflies, vector control officials say there’s a potential for a surge of mosquitoes in Santa Clarita.
Vector control officials are advising residents to take extra precautions with green, unmaintained pools, rain barrels and other small containers that have collected rain water.
Since mosquitoes can complete their life cycles from egg to adult in about a week, collected water should be emptied or used within the week, according to officials with the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD).
“Rain barrels and containers must be tightly sealed to prevent mosquito entry, and green, unmaintained pools should be cleaned,” said officials in a statement.
If residents need to store water in rain barrels, buckets, and other similar containers longer than a week, these steps should be taken to ensure they are mosquito-proof:
- Cover all water-filled containers with tightly fitting lids.
- Screen all openings such as downspouts from the roof gutters with a 1/16 inch fine mesh to keep mosquitoes out.
- Check for holes in screens monthly to prevent mosquitoes from entering the container and laying hundreds of eggs.
- Use and maintain natural mosquito control products containing Bti in water that must be kept for longer periods.
Residents should also take advantage of this time to remove all unused containers from around the home that may collect water and contribute to mosquito problems.
Other common sources include plant saucers, buckets, tires, pet water bowls, recycling bins, trash cans, and even trash hidden in nearby bushes, according to GLACVCD officials.
“Mosquito eggs only need a teaspoon of water to complete their life cycle,” said Anais Medina Diaz, public information officer at the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District. “By eliminating mosquito breeding sources in your home today, you can protect your family’s health as temperatures warm up in Southern California.”
For more information, or to anonymously report green, unmaintained pools, visit the District’s website here.
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