The Pesky Enemy of Summer

As summer rapidly approaches and people start to enjoy the great outdoors, protection from outdoor pests, especially mosquitoes, is essential. The recent rainfall has left standing water in ditches and other areas, providing ideal conditions for mosquitoes to breed.

The Bossier Parish Police Jury is taking steps to help protect residents from not just the nuisance mosquitoes pose but the health risks accompanying them.

Cliff Cannon, director of Bossier Parish Mosquito Control, says that because of the rain, they test mosquitoes weekly throughout the parish. “We just set out gravid traps and CDC traps for testing for West Nile and different mosquito-borne diseases,” Cannon stated.

Over the next two weeks, Cannon and his crews will spray in the parish for five hours each night, four days a week, weather permitting, to help control the mosquito population. “We have quite a few complaints, and next week, we’re going to get to spraying to get the entire parish sprayed. We will hit it pretty hard to get it under control for all the kids out playing,” Cannon stated.

If mosquitoes become a problem in your yard or home, here are some tips to keep your family safe.

• Apply bug spray – Apply EPA-registered insect repellants containing DEET, picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Wear protective clothing – Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks to reduce exposed skin.
• Drain Standing water – Remove or regularly empty containers that collect water, such as flowerpots, buckets, bird baths, and old tires, to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
• Avoid peak mosquito hours – Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. Limit outdoor activities during these times.
• Cut your grass and bushes – Maintain your yard by trimming tall grass and bushes where mosquitoes might hide.

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of mosquito bites and the diseases they can transmit.