Mosquito Program

Precipitation and the seasonal rise in the water table can result in high levels of mosquito activity, particularly in areas of town that are near wetlands or receding river flood waters.  In an effort to alleviate the impact that this yearly natural event has on our residents, the Town of East Hartford engages in a robust mosquito control program.  Specifically, we employ the services of a mosquito control contractor whose staff regularly apply larvicide to known mosquito breeding grounds and periodically spray affected areas of town throughout the mosquito season.  Additionally, our contractors also apply larvicide to the storm water catch basins on all Town owned roadways. 

The Town does not have the resources to spray private property, and residents are asked to assist the Health Department by reducing mosquito breeding areas on their property. Since mosquitoes need a source of standing water in order to breed and complete their lifecycle, residents can greatly help the Town control mosquito populations by removing sources of standing water on their property.   Common mosquito breeding areas around the home can include clogged gutters, tarps, tires, rain barrels, children’s toys, lawn ornaments and flower pots. As little as a teaspoon of water left standing for more than four days will allow mosquitos to begin their breeding cycle. Residents should actively empty all standing water until the first killing frost.  If you own a pool that is not in operation or have standing water on your property that cannot be drained, you may purchase ‘mosquito dunks’ containing larvicide from the Health Department for $10 for a pack of 20.  These dunks, also available at hardware stores, home improvement centers, and online, can be placed in standing water every few weeks to prevent mosquitos from breeding in these areas.

Residents should also take protective measures to reduce contact with mosquitos, such as limiting time spent outdoors at dawn and dusk in heavily infested areas, wearing long sleeves and pants and by properly using insect repellents. 

Reducing the risk of West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases in our community is an important public health issue. Success in this effort requires collaboration between Town departments, contractors and residents. Please take the time to participate in this effort and check your yard for standing water.

West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus is a mosquito borne disease that occurs during the mosquito season beginning in the summer and continuing through the fall.

Symptoms: 80% of people infected with West Nile Virus will not exhibit any symptoms. About 20% of people will experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. One in 150 people who are infected will develop severe symptoms affecting the central nervous system. These more severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. Individuals over the age of 60 or those with certain medical conditions (cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and organ transplant recipients) are at a higher risk for developing more severe symptoms and should take special care to avoid mosquito bites.

Incubation Period: Symptoms may begin between 3 to 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.

If you think you or a family member may have West Nile Virus disease, speak with your health care provider. Milder WNV illness generally improves on its own, and people do not need to seek medical attention for this infection but may choose to do so. If you develop symptoms of severe WNV illness, such as unusually severe headaches or confusion, seek medical attention immediately. Severe WNV illness usually requires hospitalization. Pregnant women and nursing mothers are encouraged to speak to their doctors if they develop any symptoms. 

West Nile Virus Fact Sheet

Additional Resources for Information

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station

US Centers for Disease Control: 

     West Nile Virus 

     EEE

CT Mosquito Management 

Repellent Info