Steps You Can Take

Protection Starts With You

Mosquitoes must have standing water in which to begin their life cycle. Almost any vessel or area of standing water presents a potential "nursery" in which mosquitoes can develop. Citizens are encouraged to eliminate mosquito-breeding areas from their home and yard. The most efficient ways to control mosquito populations and the spread of West Nile Virus are by eliminating the breeding sources of mosquitoes by limiting water irrigation use.

Managing Irrigation Systems

The goal of any irrigation system is to give turf and landscapes a sufficient amount of water without wasting water. To make sure your irrigation system works properly and also conserves water, discuss your landscaping needs and plans with a licensed irrigator.

• Water deep and infrequent - Apply one inch of water to the lawn per week.
• Avoid excessive runoff - Grass and plants can only absorb so much water at a time. Applying too much water to your landscape can cause water to runoff. When runoff occurs, this can cause water to pool, and can create mosquito breeding sites in and around your property.
• Frequent system checks - Make sure that the sprinkler heads are adjusted so as to avoid watering sidewalks and driveways or other hard surfaces. Remove any dirt or debris that may be clogging the nozzle and make sure that water is flowing at the proper pressure. Check for leaks, and repair them promptly.
• Clean up vegetation - Make sure you or your landscape professional cleans up and properly disposes of any and all discarded vegetation. This includes grass clippings, leaves, and plant material. Vegetation that is blown out into the street or gutter blocks the flow of water to the storm drain. This creates a prime environment for mosquitoes to breed. It is against Town ordinance to blow any vegetation onto the streets or into storm drains. If you see this, please contact the Town or make a report on the HP4U Resident Connection.

Personal Protection - The 4 Ds

Mosquito season typically runs from May to October, with peak activity in August. Residents are encouraged to:

• Drain all standing water
• Avoid Dawn and Dusk when mosquitoes are most active
• Dress appropriately in long sleeves and pants
• Defend yourself against mosquitoes with an effective repellent

Continue to be mindful of those areas that collect water (flower pot basins, pet dishes, clogged rain gutters, trash can receptacles). The improper storage of certain materials, such as stacked firewood, may hold or trap water.