East Hartford Continues Annual Mosquito Control Program

East Hartford, CT— The Town of East Hartford is in the process of administering its annual mosquito control program by applying larvicide to known mosquito breeding grounds and periodically spraying affected areas of town. 

As such, Mayor Marcia A. Leclerc and the East Hartford Health Department are requesting the cooperation of town residents to help control mosquito populations in East Hartford and reduce the possibility of a threat from diseases spread by these insects.

“Mosquitos come each year with spring, and while they are certainly a nuisance, they also carry the risk of disease,” said Mayor Leclerc. “The Town of East Hartford has the most aggressive mosquito control program in our region, and we take strong steps to reduce mosquito populations and ensure the safety, wellbeing and comfort of our residents.”

The Town of East Hartford will continue to administer its mosquito control program until the first hard killing frost ends the mosquito season. These efforts, along with the relatively dry weather conditions over the last several weeks, have helped to keep mosquito levels in check.  The latest field inspection reports from our contractor indicate only low to moderate larval amounts and low adult mosquito activity in the sentinel breeding areas that are regularly monitored and treated. The Town is also administering the first of two rounds of larvicide in area storm drain catch basins.

The Town of East Hartford treats major watercourses and wetlands in town that are prime breeding areas for mosquitos. The town also treats drainage catch basins and sprays in particularly infested areas of town. This helps block mosquito movement into inland residential areas. The East Hartford Health Department will continue to treat these areas when and where necessary throughout the duration of the mosquito breeding season. 

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. Residents can greatly help the Town control mosquito populations by removing sources of standing or still water (prime mosquito breeding grounds) such as 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 mosquitoes 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 area hardware and home improvement stores.

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 repellants. 

For additional information on the mosquito control program, please see this link www.easthartfordct.gov/mosquito-control-info or call the East Hartford Health Department at 860-291-7324 or email health@easthartfordct.gov.