Chesapeake In The Know

Mosquito season is on its way and after a mild winter, it could be an active one. Right now Chesapeake Mosquito Control is treating standing water (they actually treated 348 acres of stagnant water just last month) which is the skeeter’s preferred breeding ground. The biologists have started routine mosquito trapping which provides them with the information they need to plan their night-time sprays which will start in May. Mosquito Control has temporarily suspended inspections and treatments of individual properties in light of COVID-19 but here’s what you can do on your own to keep the biters at bay.

1. Dump all stagnant water once a week to remove potential breeding grounds.
2. If you can’t dump it (perhaps it’s a heavy flower pot or bird fountain) purchase Mosquito Bits or Dunks which, when used as directed, will eliminate most mosquito larvae in standing water.
3. The most important thing right now is to keep your ditches and storm drains around your property free of debris such as grass clippings. A clogged storm drain means dirty standing water which is particularly attractive to West Nile Virus mosquitoes. Keep it all flowing.

If you’ve followed all these steps and still think you have a mosquito problem, call Mosquito Control at 382-3450 between 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. weekdays. While they won’t be doing private property inspections, they will still look into your mosquito problem and will treat as appropriate. Learn more at CityofChesapeake.net/Mosquito.

Here's an episode of 'peake Life we did last year with Mosquito Control Commission Director Dreda Symonds.