Mosquitos in St. Tammany Parish have tested positive for the West Nile virus, according to the parish Mosquito Abatement Department. One positive group of adult mosquitos were infected from a trap collected in Covington, according to the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. The presence of West Nile virus in mosquitoes indicates an elevated risk to people in the area, according to the parish. Residents can expect to see increased mosquito abatement efforts, including daytime larviciding of roadside septic ditches and nighttime mosquito spraying with trucks, airplane, or helicopter, according to the parish. The area where the mosquitos were found will be treated by truck on Monday night. The next evening, weather permitting, the area will be treated with a truck larvicide spray treatment to reduce mosquito larvae in the area. St. Tammany Parish Mosquito Abatement (STPMAD) said it has noticed a significant increase in the number of freshwater mosquitoes collected in traps over recent weeks. Due to the large amount of rainfall the region has received recently with Tropical Storm Claudette, coastal areas across eastern St. Tammany Parish are experiencing a population explosion in freshwater mosquitoes, particularly in Avery Estates area, according to the parish. Mosquito production from a tropical system is often difficult to control as the source of mosquito production is often in inaccessible areas, STPMAD said. STPMAD biologists are currently inspecting the marsh in the surrounding area to find the sources of these mosquitoes and treat the larvae before the adult mosquito population can increase further, according to parish leaders. The parish asks residents to do their part to reduce their risk of contracting WNV by avoiding or minimizing exposure to biting mosquitoes by:Wearing CDC recommended mosquito repellent such as those containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptusAvoiding peak biting times such as one hour before and after dusk and dawn Wearing long-sleeve shirts and pantsMaintaining septic systems, as the West Nile virus vector is sewage-associated. Once a week, residents should also walk around their homes to dump and drain any standing water. Residents who would like to be notified in advance of an aerial or truck treatment can register at www.stpmad.org to receive an automated message by phone or text when their zone is going to be treated. For additional information, call St. Tammany Parish Mosquito Abatement office (985) 643-5050.
ST. TAMMANY PARISH, La. —
Mosquitos in St. Tammany Parish have tested positive for the West Nile virus, according to the parish Mosquito Abatement Department.
One positive group of adult mosquitos were infected from a trap collected in Covington, according to the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine.
The presence of West Nile virus in mosquitoes indicates an elevated risk to people in the area, according to the parish.
Residents can expect to see increased mosquito abatement efforts, including daytime larviciding of roadside septic ditches and nighttime mosquito spraying with trucks, airplane, or helicopter, according to the parish.
The area where the mosquitos were found will be treated by truck on Monday night.
The next evening, weather permitting, the area will be treated with a truck larvicide spray treatment to reduce mosquito larvae in the area.
St. Tammany Parish Mosquito Abatement (STPMAD) said it has noticed a significant increase in the number of freshwater mosquitoes collected in traps over recent weeks.
Due to the large amount of rainfall the region has received recently with Tropical Storm Claudette, coastal areas across eastern St. Tammany Parish are experiencing a population explosion in freshwater mosquitoes, particularly in Avery Estates area, according to the parish.
Mosquito production from a tropical system is often difficult to control as the source of mosquito production is often in inaccessible areas, STPMAD said.
STPMAD biologists are currently inspecting the marsh in the surrounding area to find the sources of these mosquitoes and treat the larvae before the adult mosquito population can increase further, according to parish leaders.
The parish asks residents to do their part to reduce their risk of contracting WNV by avoiding or minimizing exposure to biting mosquitoes by:
- Wearing CDC recommended mosquito repellent such as those containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
- Avoiding peak biting times such as one hour before and after dusk and dawn
- Wearing long-sleeve shirts and pants
- Maintaining septic systems, as the West Nile virus vector is sewage-associated. Once a week, residents should also walk around their homes to dump and drain any standing water.
Residents who would like to be notified in advance of an aerial or truck treatment can register at www.stpmad.org to receive an automated message by phone or text when their zone is going to be treated.
For additional information, call St. Tammany Parish Mosquito Abatement office (985) 643-5050.