October 23, 2024 | From City of New Orleans
New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board to Conduct Adult Mosquito Abatement Tonight by Truck and Helicopter
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The New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board (NOMTRCB) will conduct aerial adult mosquito abatement Wednesday, Oct. 23. Adulticide applications this evening will target adult populations of floodwater mosquitoes.
Treatments will be conducted by truck and helicopter from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., weather permitting, in the following areas:
- Helicopter treatment in New Aurora bounded by the Mississippi River, Orleans parish line, and Delacroix Road
- Truck treatment in English Turn and New Aurora bounded by the Mississippi River, Oak Hills Lane, Orleans parish line, and the Intracoastal Waterway
- Truck treatment in Tall Timbers-Brechtel bounded by General De Gaulle Drive, Orleans parish line, Westbank Expressway, and the Intracoastal Waterway
- Truck treatment in Aurora Gardens and Old Aurora bounded by Paterson Drive, the Intracoastal Waterway, General De Gaulle Drive, Woodland Drive, Berkley Drive, and Eton Street
Rainfall can significantly increase mosquito populations by creating habitats for several species including floodwater and container-breeding species. Mosquitoes can lay eggs in nearly anything that can hold water, such as tires, buckets, wheelbarrows, clogged gutters, unkept swimming pools, tarps (and other plastics), and kiddie pools. Mosquitoes can develop from eggs to adult mosquitoes in approximately five to seven days. The City is asking residents to remain vigilant and to tip over or toss out any items that hold water to prevent mosquito development. For large non-circulating vessels or ponds, residents can contact NOMTRCB to receive free mosquito fish. Ensure swimming pools and fountains are operational and circulating water. Rain barrels and other water collection devices must be screened and free of debris. Collected water should be used within a week. Citizens should take 10 minutes a week to inspect and remove any containers holding water on their property when taking out garbage.
West Nile and other mosquito-borne viruses are more prevalent in the summer and early fall. West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in a mosquito pool in Orleans Parish this year, and positive mosquito pools have been reported in other areas of the State. WNV cycles between wild birds and mosquitoes and can be transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito. Positive mosquito samples from surveillance traps indicate virus activity in mosquitoes and wild birds. While most human West Nile infections are asymptomatic, common symptoms include headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. In rare cases, severe illness can occur. Individuals over age 60, immunocompromised populations, and those with certain medical conditions are at greater risk of severe illness.
NOMTRCB is continuing to deploy weekly adult traps throughout Orleans parish to monitor adult population densities and test for mosquito-borne diseases. Results from our adult traps are instrumental in making additional abatement decisions.