NEW ORLEANS — Given the large amount of precipitation in the last several days, it is imperative for residents to remain vigilant and remove standing water by emptying containers that hold water. Water in containers that cannot be removed such as bird baths, sugar kettles, pools, and ponds should be changed at least once per week. This life cycle of the mosquito (from eggs, to larvae, to pupae, then adults) can be completed in as little as seven days, making it important to locate and empty containers on a weekly basis. Remove trash and clutter, including discarded tires, plant trays, buckets, trash, tarps, drink bottles and cans, and any other item that can collect any amount of water. Make sure swimming pools and fountains are operational and circulating.
We are urging people to protect themselves from biting mosquitoes by limiting outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, using EPA-and CDC-approved repellents, and mosquito-proofing residences by maintaining screens on windows and doors.
So far, no human West Nile Virus (WNV) cases have been reported in Orleans Parish this year. West Nile Virus cycles between birds and mosquitoes and can be transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. While the majority of WNV infections are asymptomatic, the virus can cause serious symptoms, especially for individuals that are immunocompromised or over the age of 65.
SAFETY TIPS
Protecting Yourself
- Reduce mosquito exposure by limiting outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.
- Use air-conditioning and make sure window and door screens are in good condition to prevent mosquitoes from getting inside.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants while outside.
- The CDC recommends using repellents containing EPA-registered active ingredients with proven efficacy, including DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- When using repellent, always follow the recommendations on the product label.
Protecting Your Home
- Eliminate standing water around your home. Mosquitoes breed in standing water.
- Remove trash and clutter and dispose of discarded tires and containers. Turn over wading pools, buckets, trash cans, children’s toys, and anything that can collect water.
- Change water weekly in containers that cannot be removed, such as pet dishes or bird baths. Scrub the inside of containers (especially the walls) each week to remove any eggs that have been deposited.
- Rain barrels and other water collection devices must be screened or treated, and the collected water should be used within one week.
- Aerate ornamental pools, fountains, and sugar kettles or stock them with fish.
- Report illegal dumping, water leaks, and unattended swimming pools to 311 by phone or online.
Tires collect leaf litter and are easily filled with rain water, providing an ideal breeding site for mosquito larvae. Eliminating scrap tires will eliminate a prolific mosquito habitat.
- Residents can place up to four tires weekly stacked curbside next to their household trash cart on the second collection day. Call 311 to arrange for a pickup.
- Tires in front of abandoned lots will not be collected; they must be moved in front of a residence with curbside collection.
- Residents can also bring up to five tires to the City Recycling Drop-off Center located at 2829 Elysian Fields Ave. between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month.
Report Mosquito Issues
Report mosquito issues to 311.
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