Fight against mosquitoes goes into high gear | Health

(WMC-TV) – Shelby County health officials are hard at work trying to fight one of the summer’s most bothersome bugs.

In an effort to kill mosquitoes before they have the chance to bite, health department officials will spray pesticides in the following locations:

Thursday, June 28, 8:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

• 38114
• 38126

Here are some of the ways you can protect yourself from mosquito bites and help prevent mosquitoes from breeding:

• Wear DEET-containing mosquito repellents according to label directions
• Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs. Check properties for objects - including old tires, flower pots and drip plates, tin cans, buckets, and children’s toys - that collect rainwater and either drain or dispose of the water
• Install or repair windows and door screens
• Empty, clean and refill birdbaths and small wading pools weekly
• Empty and refill pets’ water bowls every few days
• Repair failed septic systems
• Repair leaky outside faucets
• Clean rain gutters and down spouts
• Secure swimming pool covers tightly and remove any standing water after rainfall
• Store wheelbarrows, canoes and boats upside down
• Stock ornamental lawn ponds with fish (Gambusia) that eat mosquito larvae (Gambusia fish are available free from the Vector Control Program)

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