Reduce Mosquito Risks

In the wake of recent heavy rains, the City of New Braunfels urges citizens to help control mosquito populations.

“There are important things you can do as individuals to reduce the risk of exposure to Zika virus or West Nile virus, the most important being to eliminate mosquito-breeding areas in your environment and limit your exposure to feeding mosquitoes,” said Environmental Services Manager Bryan Ruiz.

Here are some simple suggestions:

• Empty out containers that hold water around your home or business
• Remove standing water from around structures and from flat roofs
• Clean out gutters
• Water lawns and gardens carefully so water does not stand
• Change water in pet dishes, wading pools and bird baths frequently
• Screen rain barrels and opening to water tanks or cisterns
• Rinse and clean flower vases and other indoor water containers frequently
• Maintain pools and hot tubs
• Cover trash containers
• Report illegal dump sites and standing water
• For areas that cannot be drained adequately, use standing water treatment tabs (commonly called “mosquito dunks”)
• Treat front and back door areas of homes with repellants if mosquitoes are abundant nearby
• Cover up with long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors
• Maintain window screens
• Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered insect repellents as directed.

Breeding Areas

“We encourage everyone to be part of the solution and eliminate insect breeding areas and larva before they reach the airborne stage,” Ruiz says.

“Areas of stagnate water or overgrown vegetation can definitely be a breeding ground for mosquitoes,” says John Cox, Streets and Drainage manager. “The City of New Braunfels has mosquito control service assistance available for public waterways and drainage areas. If you are concerned about a location having the potential for mosquito breeding call 830-221-4030 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday – Friday and have the street address of the area of concern available when you call.”

Citizens can also select “I Want To …  and then Get Help with Mosquito Control” from the City’s website at www.nbtexas.org. An on-line form to report an area of concern is available there 24 hours a day.

“We have multiple staff members trained in mosquito abatement techniques and they are actively treating areas,” Cox says. “These activities will continue for the remainder of the summer, but we appreciate the public’s help in identifying areas that should be treated.”