September 2, 2022 | From City of New Orleans
New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board Reports West Nile Activity in Mosquitoes throughout Orleans Parish, Urges Residents to Take Safety Precautions
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 conducted earlier this week.
Reducing the risk of mosquito bites and mosquito-borne virus transmission is a community effort. It is imperative to work together to reduce public health risks in peak mosquito season.
West Nile activity in mosquitoes has increased in recent weeks. NOMTRCB requests that residents inspect areas around the home and yard, turn over any container or object that holds 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 unkept pools.
The City urges residents to protect themselves from biting mosquitoes by limiting outdoor activities between dusk and dawn. Use EPA-registered and CDC-approved mosquito repellents if outdoors, especially at night. Mosquito-proof residences 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 can hold water. Turn over wading pools, buckets, trash cans children's toys or anything that could collect water.
- Change water weekly in containers that cannot be removed, such as pet dishes or bird baths. Scrub the side of the containers each week to remove any eggs that have been deposited.
- Rain barrels and other water collection devices must be screened and collected water should be used within one week.
- Aerate ornamental pools, fountains and sugar kettles, or stock them with fish.
- Report illegal dumping, water leaks and unattended swimming pools by calling 311.
- Call 311 report mosquito problems.
Protect Yourself
- Reduce mosquito exposure by limiting outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.
- Use air-conditioning and make sure window and door screens are in good condition to prevent mosquitoes from getting inside.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants while outside.
- Sit in the airstream of a fan if you are outside.
- The CDC recommends using repellents containing 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 mosquito-related questions or to report issues, please contact NOMTRCB through one of the following methods:
For more information and tips for home and personal protection, follow NOMTRCB on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @nolamosquito.
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