Jun 27, 2023, 10:48 AM

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Unfortunately, it’s mosquito season, but we would like to inform you about the efforts being taken by the Baldwin County Commission’s Mosquito Control Program. This program aims to tackle the challenges posed by mosquitoes and mitigate potential health risks in our community. As a part of the comprehensive approach this program includes:

Mosquito Surveillance

Mosquito surveillance will consist of the sampling of mosquito populations throughout the County’s unincorporated areas at flexible geographical trap locations. This sampling will be conducted weekly from approximately mid-April through mid-August including taxonomic identification and testing for common mosquito-borne diseases.

Mosquito Management and Control

Community-wide mosquito control program including aerial spraying along with larviciding and ultra-low volume (ULV) adulticiding directed at mosquito breeding sites and geographical areas of larval and adult mosquito populations as is determined by surveillance.

If you live on a road maintained by the Baldwin County Highway Department your road is eligible to be sprayed by Vector Disease Control International (VDCI). To Submit a service request in your area you may call VDCI at 1.800.256.1784 or visit the website at https://www.vdci.net/. If you live inside city limits, please contact your municipality for guidance. 

Together, let’s fight against mosquitoes and create a safer and healthier environment for all Baldwin County residents and visitors. Here are some tips to help you do your part.

Stop Raising Mosquitoes in Your Yard

• Don’t leave exterior doors propped open.
• Empty any items that hold waters such as tires, buckets, flowerpots, kiddie pools, and trash containers. Mosquitoes lay eggs near water.
• Tightly cover water storage containers (buckets & rain barrels) so that mosquitoes cannot get inside to lay eggs.
• Fill in holes or depressions in your yard where water tends to collect.
• Keep weeds, vines, hedges, and grass trimmed since mosquitoes use these shady areas as resting places.
• Use outdoor flying insect spray where mosquitoes rest - in dark, humid areas like under patio furniture, or under the carport or garage. When using insecticides always follow label instructions.
• For containers without lids use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
• Use larvicides to treat large containers of water that will not be used for drinking and cannot be covered or poured out.
• Hire a pest control expert to treat your yard & outdoor areas with long-lasting insecticide or larvicide to control mosquitoes. 
• Repair leaky pipes & outside faucets. Keep drains and gutters unclogged so water doesn't collect in these areas.
• Keep your grass cut.
• Use landscaping to your advantage – plant citronella, marigolds, pennyroyal, and geraniums as mosquito repellants.
• Use fans.
  

Here's What You Can Do Inside Your Home

• Keep window and door screens in good repair.
• Use air conditioning when possible.
• Keep mosquitoes from laying eggs inside your home. Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out any items that hold water like vases and flowerpot saucers.
• Kill mosquitoes inside your home. Use an indoor flying insect fogger* or indoor insect spray* to kill mosquitoes and treat areas where they rest. These products work immediately but may need to be reapplied. Always follow label directions. Only using insecticide will not keep your home free of mosquitoes.
• Mosquitoes rest in dark, humid places like under the sink, in closets, under furniture, or in the laundry room.
• Use fans.

Your safety is our top priority, and we encourage everyone to stay informed about mosquito-borne diseases and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families.