Mosquito Control


The City of McMinnville provides assistance to city residents who may have potential mosquito problems. Our program attempts to educate city residents on how mosquitoes breed and how people can eliminate breeding places. All mosquitoes must have water to develop. Most prefer slow-moving or stagnant water in which to lay their eggs. One tablespoon of water can breed over 200 mosquitoes. During warm weather, mosquitoes can complete their life cycle in 4 days. While there are dozens of mosquito control devices on the market today, the safest and most effective method still is:

Destroy Mosquito Breeding Places
Homeowner Checklist of Mosquito Sources and Corrective Actions

Fishpond
Stock with fish. Remove excess vegetation. Construct properly. Remove if no longer wanted.

Swimming Pools
Keep chlorinated. If not in use, tightly cover and keep rainwater from accumulating on the cover.

Spas and Hot Tubs
Keep chlorinated. If not in use, tightly cover and keep rainwater from accumulating on the cover.

Birdbath
Change water frequently, at least once per week.

Containers, Buckets, Pots, Barrels, Pans, Cans, Etc.
Empty, invert, punch drainage holes, dispose of, or cover to prevent mosquito entrance.

Boats
Store small boats upside down. Cover large boats to prevent accumulation of water and keep drains open.

Catch Basins & Storm Drains
Do not dispose of litter, garden debris, used motor oil or other hazardous materials into catch basins or storm drains.

Tires
Store inside garage or shed. Cover to prevent water from accumulating in them or properly dispose of tires.

Creekstorm drains
Do not dispose of litter or garden debris in a creek. Clean obstructions to promote flow. Check unconnected side pools - fill, connect to flow, or stock with fish.

Plastic Covers
Prevent or remove accumulation of rain or sprinkler water on plastic covers.

Basements
Keep dry, drain, correct leaky plumbing, dripping air conditioning or refrigeration. Install a sump pump.

Rain Gutters
Keep clean so that water does not stand.

 

A General Rule in Preventing the Production of Backyard Mosquitoes Is:

No Standing Water = No Mosquitoes!

 

Devices To Help

Repellents are available in sprays, liquids, creams, and sticks. The most effective repellents contain DEET, which will provide longer-lasting protection. When applied to the skin, repellents can prevent insect bites for up to 2 or more hours. Read all labels for precautions.

The city provides Clarke brand mosquito abatement pellets to be applied by the Public Works Department upon request in areas prone to standing water. The city also sprays upon notification of an adult mosquito outbreak. The city sprays Clarke brand mists.

Adult Control Products may be purchased from local stores that sell home pesticide control products. There are several products on the market that will provide control for a short period of time.

 

WEST NILE VIRUS INFORMATION:

http://www.cdc.gov/nicod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm