County rolls out mosquito control program

A county-wide mosquito control program has now cranked up, with one spray truck on the road and another expected to come on line by mid-July.
Those who believe they’ve found a serious mosquito infestation should call the Jackson County Health Department at 482-9227 to report it, so the complaint can be investigated.
“Because this is the first year of the program and because of limited resources for trapping and surveillance, we are relying on the residents to let us know where the problem areas are located,” said T.J. Harkrider, who is directing the program for the health department in partnership with the Jackson County Commission.
Harkrider reminds residents and visitors to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, which may cause encephalitis or West Nile virus disease. He encourages everyone to take basic precautions to help limit exposure by following Florida Department of Health recommendations.
Personal mosquito protection efforts should include the “5 D’s” for prevention:
• Dusk and dawn: Avoid being outdoors at these times, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Dress: Wear clothing that covers most of your skin.
• DEET: When the potential exists for exposure to mosquitoes, repellents containing DEET are recommended. Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are other repellent options.
• Drainage: Check around your home to rid the area of standing water, which is where mosquitoes lay their eggs. Elimination of breeding sites is one of the keys to prevention.
The state Department of Health continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria and dengue.
For more information or to report possible problems, call the West Nile virus hotline at 1-888-880-5782, or the county health department.
Residents of Florida are encouraged to report dead birds via the Web site http://myfwc.com/bird/. For more information on mosquito-borne illnesses, visit the Environmental Health Web site at: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/community/arboviral/index.htm.

Tips on eliminating mosquito breeding sites

• Clean out eaves, troughs and gutters.
• Remove old tires or drill holes in those used in playgrounds to let them drain.
• Turn over or remove empty plastic pots.
• Pick up all beverage containers and cups.
• Check tarps on boats or other equipment that may collect water.
• Pump out bilges on boats.
• Replace water in birdbaths, and pet or other animal feeding dishes at least once a week.
• Change water in plant trays, including hanging plants, at least once a week.
• Remove vegetation or obstructions in drainage ditches that prevent the flow of water.