NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board (NOMTRCB) reports that mosquitoes collected this week from Orleans Parish tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). Truck-mounted adult larvicide treatments were carried out earlier this week.
Reducing the risk of mosquito bites and mosquito-borne virus transmission is a community effort. It is imperative that we work together to reduce public health risks in the peak mosquito season.
West Nile mosquito activity has increased in recent weeks. The NOMTRCB requires residents to inspect areas around the home and yard, turn over any containers or objects that hold water, and remove trash and clutter. Mosquito larvae can develop in a space as small as a bottle cap, so every container counts. Report mosquito-related issues such as standing water, tires, construction sites, or unmaintained pools.
The city urges residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites by limiting outdoor activities between dusk and dawn. Use EPA-registered and CDC-approved mosquito repellents if you are outside, especially at night. Mosquito proof housing by maintaining screens on windows and doors.
Please read and follow the additional safety tips below.
Protect your home
- Eliminate standing water around your home where mosquitoes breed.
- Remove trash and clutter, dispose of discarded tires and containers that may hold water. Turn over swimming pools, buckets, trash cans, children’s toys, or anything that can collect water.
- Change the water weekly in containers that cannot be removed, such as pet dishes or birdbaths. Clean the side of the container weekly to remove any eggs that have been deposited.
- Rain barrels and other water collection equipment must be checked and the collected water must be used within a week.
- Aerate decorative pools, fountains and sugar bowls, or fill them with fish.
- Report illegal spills, water leaks and unattended pools by calling 311.
- Call 311 to report mosquito problems.
Protect yourself
- Reduce exposure to mosquitoes by limiting outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.
- Use air conditioning and make sure window and door screens are in good condition to keep mosquitoes out.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants while outdoors.
- Sit in the air stream of a fan if you are outside.
- The CDC recommends using repellents that contain EPA-registered active ingredients, including DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- When using repellent, always follow the recommendations on the product label.
Report mosquito issues
For questions about mosquitoes or to report problems, please contact NOMTRCB through one of the following methods:
For more information and tips on home and personal protection, follow NOMTRCB on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @nolamosquito.
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