Officials look to identify mosquito areas
Yuma County officials are asking residents for their help in addressing a potential increase in mosquito populations resulting from the recent rain, by helping identify and eliminate potential mosquito breeding areas.
The county’s Vector Control Division is currently surveying many areas. They are primarily concerned with plastic pools, wheelbarrows, empty planters, and assorted kids toys that lay in the yard.
“People don’t generally think about these items as potential breeding grounds, yet many times they are the source of the problem,” explains Diana Gomez, Yuma County Health District director. “Something as small as a bottle cap full of water is enough to create an ideal mosquito breeding ground.”
Vector control actively monitors mosquito population trends throughout the county and conducts fogging and spraying efforts as necessary. Spraying for mosquitoes reduces adult mosquito populations, but it’s important to take proactive steps to eliminate breeding grounds.
Citizens can help by looking in their yards for any standing water and remember to drain, empty and cover any items that can collect water at least once a week.
Residents should wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, and apply mosquito repellent.
Mosquitoes can carry viruses that may cause illnesses such as dengue, West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis and Zika, so it’s important to both manage mosquito populations and take steps to prevent bites.
Residents can also help by reporting large, stagnant bodies of water and green pools by using the “Submit a Service Request” feature found at www.yumacountyaz.gov or by calling (928) 317-4584.