Help Break the Mosquito Cycle With the recent rains, mosquitoes are again on the wing in Pinellas County. Pinellas County Mosquito Control technicians are aggressively treating known breeding areas, by ground and by air, as well as responding to calls from citizens. Technicians have noted that many homes they've inspected also have items or areas that contain standing water. These make ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes and contribute to the mosquito problem. Pinellas County Mosquito Control asks all citizens to do their part to reduce the mosquito population. Remember that mosquitoes only need ¼ to ½ inch of standing water for the larvae to survive. Some simple suggestions are to: Empty the water from old tires, flowerpots, garbage cans, recycling containers, wheelbarrows, aluminum cans, boat tarps and buckets. Flush birdbaths and wading pools weekly. Flush ornamental bromeliads or treat with B.t.i., a biological larvicide available at home stores. Change the water in outdoor pet dishes regularly. Keep pools and spas chlorinated and filtered. Stock ornamental ponds with mosquito-eating fish. Cover rain barrels with screening. Check for standing water under houses, near plumbing drains, under air conditioner drip areas, around septic tanks and heat pumps, and in rain gutters. Take steps to eliminate standing water, improve drainage and prevent future puddling. Protect your skin from mosquito bites when outdoors; wear mosquito repellent (products containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucaplytus) or long-sleeves and pants. The threat of virus, although minimal, is present throughout the year, and precautions should be taken during outdoor activities. No virus has been detected in the county's sentinel chickens this year. By taking these simple preventative measures, citizens can help reduce the number of mosquitoes in our county and minimize mosquito-borne diseases.

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