About Mosquito Abatement
Ela Township contracts for spraying mosquitoes on an annual basis throughout mosquito season. The Township has a few tips to help you control the mosquito population on your property before they get out of control.
To avoid an abundance of mosquitoes, eliminate water sources that allow adult mosquitoes to lay eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water. Eliminating these sources will allow you to keep new generations of mosquitoes from making your property their residence too.
Tips to control the mosquito population:
- Add holes to the bottom of garbage cans or recycling containers if stored outdoors. Holes in the bottom will allow the water to drain.
- Keep gutters clean and unclogged. Ensure downspouts drain properly and do not leave puddles at the bottom of the downspouts.
- Keep swimming pools clean and chlorinated, even when not in use.
- Ornamental ponds should be aerated to keep water moving and discourage mosquitoes from laying eggs. Another option might be to stock the pond with mosquito-eating fish.
- Drain anything that may hold water several times a week. If you have a birdbath, non-chlorinated wading pool, or pottery that is filled with water and can attract breeding mosquitoes, drain them.
Precautions to take to ensure that mosquitoes do not find their way to your property:
- Window and door screens should be at least 16-18 size mesh and fit snugly without gaps around the edges. Check your screens for holes and repair as needed.
- Replace outdoor lights with yellow "bug" lights. The mosquitoes are less likely to find them attractive and invade your yard.
- When outdoors, apply a DEET-based insect repellent. DEET will need to be reapplied in 4-6 hours.
- Check the insecticide labels for EPA-approved products registered as effective against adult and larval mosquitoes. Applying the insecticide around building foundations, shrubs, and grasses will keep mosquitoes from resting in these areas.