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The mosquito season has begun, and Suffolk Mosquito Control is working to protect the city from mosquito-transmitted diseases and to reduce nuisance mosquito populations, according to a city press release.

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 (1 hour before dusk to 1 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 or 2-undecanone. Follow the label instructions for correct usage.

Mosquitoes with West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis are found in Suffolk every year, but humans in Suffolk have never contracted either illness from these mosquitoes.

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

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 steps:

• Empty water-holding containers: buckets, drums, bottles, tin cans, wheelbarrows, 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 will be available to Suffolk citizens, but due to the coronavirus, a majority of public lobbies, offices and meeting areas are closed to the public, therefore the only location to retrieve your free dunks at this time is Fire Station 6, 300 Kings Fork Road. 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 an information sheet. When you arrive at the fire station, a flier on the front door details specific instructions on how to retrieve your dunks. Placing Mosquito Dunks in stagnant water habitats is a common practice used to eliminate mosquito larvae.

For more information concerning EEE and WNV, visit the Virginia Department of Health website.

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