East Hartford Begins Annual Mosquito Control Program Public’s Help Needed to Combat Mosquitoes
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. 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 diseases spread by these insects.
“Warmer weather, spring rains, and receding river levels create conditions that are ripe for mosquito breeding,” said Mayor Leclerc. “Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance for our residents, but they also play a role in the transmission of diseases such as West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.”
The Town of East Hartford treats wetland areas and drainage catch basins in town that are prime breeding sites for mosquitoes, and sprays in particularly infested areas. This helps block mosquito movement into inland residential areas. These areas are routinely monitored and the East Hartford Health Department will treat them when 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. 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 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 the Health Department for $10 for a pack of 20. To purchase the dunks, please call the East Hartford Health Department at 860-291-7324 or email health@easthartfordct.gov.
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 repellants. For additional information on the mosquito control program, please see this link www.easthartfordct.gov/mosquito-control-info, call the East Hartford Health Department at 860-291-7324 or email health@easthartfordct.gov.