Source reduction is a core component of our integrated mosquito management program. By eliminating mosquito larval habitats, we can resolve issues permanently and reduce the need for chemical treatments. NOMTRCB performs source reduction throughout the parish, often during yard inspections conducted in response to citizen service requests.
Residents can help reduce mosquito populations by removing standing water around their homes. We recommend residents to do a weekly walkthrough of their yard, especially in the summer, to tip and toss any standing water. Source reduction should always be completed before chemical control measures are considered. Standing water sources that our inspectors typically come across include plant saucers, tarps, clogged gutters, inflatable pools, buckets, and more.
NOMTRCB also makes a dedicated effort to assist with the removal of illegally dumped waste tires, which serve as ideal mosquito breeding sites due to their ability to collect and retain rainwater and organic debris. Container-breeding species including Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, as well as opportunistic breeders like Cx. quinquefasciatus utilize these habitats across the parish to lay their eggs. As a permitted Waste Tire Transporter and Generator through the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ), NOMTRCB is authorized to collect, store, and transport waste tires for recycling.
Our team prioritizes the removal of smaller tire piles in areas vulnerable to illegal dumping, including neighborhoods and school zones. Our division also coordinates larger tire pick-up efforts with the help of other agencies, where we conduct large sweeps within target areas that have the highest burden of illegal tire dumping. We utilize our larval habitat surveillance data to help determine where these clean-up events occur.