The mosquito season is upon us, and Suffolk Mosquito Control is working diligently to protect the city from mosquito-transmitted diseases and to reduce nuisance mosquito populations. Operations include but are not limited to routine mosquito trapping, focused sprays for adult mosquitoes, and pesticide applications to eradicate juvenile mosquitoes.

You can avoid the bite of mosquitoes by following these recommendations:

• Remain indoors during times of greatest mosquito activity — one hour before dusk to one hour before dawn
• Wear loose, long, and light-colored clothing when outdoors
• Use insect repellants containing DEET, picaridan, IR3535, Oil of lemon eucalyptus, Para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone. Follow the label instructions for correct usage.

Mosquitoes with West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) are found in Suffolk every year. However, humans in Suffolk have never contracted either disease from these mosquitoes.

Horses are commonly found with EEE in Suffolk, and Mosquito Control urges horse owners to vaccinate their horses for EEE.

Dog and cat owners are also encouraged to take part in preventing heartworm disease from affecting their animals.

You can help eliminate mosquito-breeding sites around your home and neighborhood by following these easy steps:

• Empty water-holding containers — buckets, drums, bottles, tin cans, wheel barrows, potted plant trays, etc.
• Properly dispose of used tires.
• Clear roof gutters, downspouts and corrugated black drainpipes for any water collection.
• Clean wading and swimming pools
• Drain water from tarps
• Place Mosquito Dunks in stagnant water areas around your home, which include ditches and low-lying areas

Free Mosquito Dunks are available to Suffolk citizens at city fire stations, the Mosquito Control Office, City Hall, as well as the recreation centers on South Sixth Street and in Whaleyville. In order to get your free Mosquito Dunks, you must be 18 years of age or older, have proof of residence in the City of Suffolk, proper picture identification and sign the “Information Sheet.”

For more information about Suffolk Mosquito Control, contact Charles Abadam, superintendent of Suffolk Mosquito Control, via email at cabadam@suffolkva.us, or by phone at 514-7609.