Beaufort County Health Department's Environmental Health Warns on Mosquito Control | Eastern North Carolina Now

For Immediate Release:

    The Beaufort County Health Department's Environmental Health Section is urging citizens to take action to control mosquitoes around their homes. Most mosquito problems are the result of breeding around the household and can be alleviated by simply keeping these breeding sources free of standing water.

    With the recent rains, a lot of standing water can be found in containers and other areas that hold water. Anything that can hold water for more than 4 to 5 days could potentially be a mosquito breeding source.

    The following practices should be done to help eliminate mosquito breeding sites around the home:

    • Empty or throw away containers in your yard that can collect water such as tires, buckets, bottles, toys, etc.

    • Change water in pet bowls, bird baths and flower pot saucers at least twice a week.

    • Clean Clogged rain gutters.

    • Repair leaky outdoor faucets

    • Keep water from accumulating on tarps and boat covers

Protect Yourself From Mosquito Bites by:

    • Covering exposed skin by wearing light colored long sleeves and long pants

    • Avoiding outdoor activity when mosquitoes are most active such as dusk and dawn

    • Avoiding areas with heavy mosquito activity

    • Using repellents on exposed skin - Always read and follow the label instructions

    • Inspecting window and door screens and repair any holes

    Bio-friendly larvacides, commonly known as "mosquito dunks" can be purchased at local garden and hardware stores. These will control larval growth in areas around the home for several weeks without harming other animals.

    For additional information please contact the Beaufort County Health

    Department's Environmental Health Division at (252) 946-6048.

    Contact: Eugene McRoy, Environmental Health Program Specialist

    Phone: (252) 946-6048     Fax: (252)-946-2074