MCHD provides tips to deal with mosquitoes this summer 07.10.2023

July 10, 2023

MCHD provides tips to deal with mosquitoes this summer

MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile County Health Department’s (MCHD) Vector Services works all year round to mitigate the adverse effects of mosquitoes on our community. However, it is normal during the summer months when the pesky bug has the greatest amount of attention.

“The Mobile County Health Department advises the public to remain diligent in their personal mosquito protection efforts by remembering to ‘Drain and Cover,’” said Dr. Kevin Philip Michaels, Health Officer of Mobile County. Here are some tips to help deal with mosquitoes:

DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.
• Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots, or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected.
• Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items not being used.
• Empty and clean birdbaths and pet’s water bowls at least once or twice a week
• Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
• Maintain swimming pools and keep appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools not in use.

COVER doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house.
• Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios.

COVER skin with clothing or appropriate repellent.
• Clothing – Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
• Repellent – Apply mosquito repellent appropriately.
o Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone, and IR3535 are effective.
o Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

Tips on Repellent Use
• Always read label directions carefully for the approved usage before you apply a repellent.
• Apply insect repellent to exposed skin or clothing, but not under clothing.
• Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Do not apply directly to skin.
• Some repellents are not suitable for children. Ensure repellent is safe for children and age appropriate:
o Mosquito repellents containing lemon eucalyptus oil or para-menthane-diol should not be used on children under the age of 3 years.
o DEET is not recommended on children younger than two months old.
o Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children.
o Parents should apply repellent to their hands first and then transfer to the child’s skin and clothing.

A new online portal is now available to help the public request assistance from Vector Services and receive feedback on their request to deal with mosquitoes or rodents. To learn more about the department, you may visit https://mchd.org/vector-control. From there, you can find a link and a QR code to access the new online portal for ordering services. The telephone numbers for those without internet access are 251-690-8124 for Mosquito Control and 251-690-8819 for Rodent Control.