From KHTS
March 15, 2019
After a recent increase in rainfall and butterflies, vector control officials say there’s a potential for a surge of mosquitoes in Santa Clarita.
Vector control officials are advising residents to take extra precautions with green, unmaintained pools, rain barrels and other small containers that have collected rain water.
Since mosquitoes can complete their life cycles from egg to adult in about a week, collected water should be emptied or used within the week, according to officials with the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD).
“Rain barrels and containers must be tightly sealed to prevent mosquito entry, and green, unmaintained pools should be cleaned,” said officials in a statement.
If residents need to store water in rain barrels, buckets, and other similar containers longer than a week, these steps should be taken to ensure they are mosquito-proof:
- Cover all water-filled containers with tightly fitting lids.
- Screen all openings such as downspouts from the roof gutters with a 1/16 inch fine mesh to keep mosquitoes out.
- Check for holes in screens monthly to prevent mosquitoes from entering the container and laying hundreds of eggs.
- Use and maintain natural mosquito control products containing Bti in water that must be kept for longer periods.