County asks residents to check Halloween decorations for standing water
Hillsborough County Mosquito Management said outdoor decorations can collect rainwater and become mosquito breeding sites.
From our October archiveOriginally dated
Published
On Oct. 15, Hillsborough County Mosquito Management asked residents to check Halloween decorations for standing water. The county said outdoor displays can collect rainwater and become mosquito breeding sites.
The Aedes aegypti mosquito spreads dengue virus in Hillsborough County. The county said this mosquito breeds in small containers around homes and businesses. Even small amounts of water can give mosquitoes a place to lay eggs.
After rainfall, the county asked residents to check these items:
Plastic pumpkins, candy buckets and other containers
Bases and stakes of inflatable decorations, and puddles under them
Plastic skeletons, tombstones, lanterns and other hollow ornaments
Tarps and coverings over decorations, equipment or outdoor furniture
Flowerpot saucers and planters
The county also asked residents to check toys, discarded containers, gutters and yard equipment. If possible, store decorations in covered areas when they are not in use. If items stay outdoors, position them so water drains easily.
The county listed other ways to protect against mosquitoes:
Use an EPA-registered insect repellent outdoors.
Wear clothing that covers exposed skin.
Keep doors and windows properly screened.
Residents can sign up for notifications about localized treatments on the County's Mosquito Operations webpage. That page also has updates on aerial treatment operations.