Mosquitoes are not only annoying they can also be transmitters of Encephalitis, Malaria, Yellow Fever, West Nile, Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika, and other diseases or viruses. However, you can take steps to help prevent your chances of being bitten and possibly contracting one of these illnesses. For more info on mosquito control in Statesboro, please contact our office.
What is Zika and should I be concerned about mosquitoes in Statesboro?
The health and safety of the public is the top priority of the City of Statesboro and preventing the transmission of the Zika virus and other mosquito-borne viruses in Statesboro is no exception. Zika is a viral disease that is primarily spread by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. This species of mosquito is not known to exist inside the city limits of Statesboro. To combat the spread of Zika and other mosquito-borne illnesses the City maintains an active mosquito control program and our staff works closely with the Georgia Department of Public Health and other agencies to ensure that our mosquito control program remains current and effective. For more information on the Zika virus please click on one of the links below:
Preventing Mosquito Bites
If you are going to be outdoors or traveling overseas use an EPA-registered insect repellent which contains DEET or other effective active ingredient. When used as directed EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women. In addition, wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants when outdoors. Click Here for more information on insect repellents.
Controlling Mosquitoes at Home
As a property owner or renter you can:
* Clear your property of any potential breeding sites by removing areas of standing water. Use the tip and flip method – if it holds water tip it and flip it over.
• Get rid of old tires, tin cans, buckets, drums, bottles or any water holding containers
• Fill in or drain any low places (puddles, ruts, hollow stumps, etc) in yard
• Keep drains, ditches and culverts clean of weeds and trash so water will drain properly
• Empty plastic wading pool at least once a week and store indoors when not in use
• Make sure your swimming pool is properly maintained
• Change water in bird baths and plant pots or drip trays at least once each week
• Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well trimmed around the house so adult mosquitoes will not hide there
* Be proactive to prevent any problem areas from reoccurring.
Standing Water Means You Could Be Breeding Mosquitoes. Adult flying mosquitoes often rest in tall grass and shrubbery, but they cannot develop there. All mosquitoes need water to complete their life cycle. Some mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water where they hatch in just a day or two. Other mosquitoes may lay their eggs in old tires, tin cans, or other water holding containers. Mosquito eggs may remain un-hatched for weeks or even months until they are covered with water. After any significant rainfall remember to remove any standing water from your yard to help keep mosquitoes from hatching.
For questions regarding the City of Statesboro’s Mosquito Control Program or concerns regarding mosquitoes in your neighborhood, please contact Robert Seamans, Streets & Parks Superintendent, at (912) 764-0681.
The City of Statesboro is an active member of the Georgia Mosquito Control Association.