East Hartford Advises Residents of Higher Mosquito Activity and Control Efforts

East Hartford, CT - The East Hartford Health Department advises residents recent weather conditions including flooding along the Connecticut river has led to increased mosquito activity.  “Our current warm temperatures, high humidity, and heavy rains are ideal conditions for mosquito breeding sites and activity, said Director of Health Laurence Burnsed.  “In addition to observations of higher mosquito activity impacting several areas of town, we’ve received reports of mosquito population concerns from several residents this week.” 

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 employs the services of a mosquito control contractor whose staff regularly assess mosquito activity, apply larvicide to municipal properties that are potential breeding sites, and apply targeted barrier treatments by spraying insecticides along the border of active breeding sites and residential areas to reduce the mosquito population.

In recent weeks, weather conditions have resulted in intense mosquito activity; however, remaining flood conditions has limited our ability to apply insecticide in areas most in need of treatment.  The Health Department is working with our contactor to conduct mosquito abatement activities as weather conditions allow.  This season, our contractors have applied larvicide to the storm water catch basins on Town-owned roadways, along with treating local parks, trails and wetlands. Additionally, one of the prime breeding grounds that the Town’s contractor routinely treats is the Keeney Cove area, and the drier weather in the forecast over the next 7-10 days will facilitate further treatments by our contractor, which should hopefully begin to reduce the mosquito population in your area. 

The Health Department advises residents to assist in minimizing mosquito breeding grounds. 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.

The best way to manage mosquitoes around the home is to eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs.

• Flush birdbaths and wading pools weekly.
• Swimming pool filtering systems should be maintained and in good working order.
• Abandoned pools should be drained, filled, or "shocked" with pool chemicals.
• Seal or cover with screens openings of standing water sources (septic tanks, roof gutters, rain barrels).
• Rotten stumps and tree holes can be filled with sand.
• Discarded tires should be disposed of properly or holes (0.5 inches or larger) can be drilled in the bottom of the tires to drain water.
• Check your property at least weekly for sources of standing water and dump them out (e.g., wheelbarrows, pails, paint cans, children’s toys, clogged gutters, flower pots, etc.).
• Change water in ornamental pools and aquatic gardens or install an aerator. You can stock minnows, such as Gambusia, koi, or guppies, as a natural biological control.
• 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.  Mosquito dunks can be purchased 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 are also encouraged to follow tips for safely applying insect repellents to protect yourself and family members from mosquito bites. 

• Use insect repellent according to product directions on the label.
• Apply repellents only to exposed skin or clothing, never underneath clothing.
• Do not spray directly on your face; spray on your hands and then apply to your face.
• Wash your hands after applying repellent to avoid accidental exposure to your eyes or mouth.
• Do not allow young children to handle repellents.  Adults should gently apply to your child’s exposed skin for them. 

For more information about the Town of East Hartford mosquito control program, or bite prevention resources, please visit the Health and Social Services Mosquito Control Info.