Standing Water and Mosquito Hatch With June Rainfall

Heavy rains (in some cases over 4 inches) fell in a swath across southern Bay County from June 12-15 causing ditches, fields, woodlots, and floodplains to flood and hatch mosquito eggs on the ground. Crews are working extended hours to treat roadside ditches and will soon transition to other flooded areas to control as many mosquito larval breeding sites as possible. While many acres of habitat will be treated and many larvae controlled, it will not be possible to treat all flooded habitats within the limited ten day window before mosquitoes emerge as adults. Adult mosquito populations will most likely spike within ten days, especially in the areas where the heaviest rains fell. Bay County Mosquito Control plans to put forth an intensive nighttime spraying effort to get adult mosquitoes treated in those areas. Included in these treatments is a new electric spray machine offering a quieter response in noise-sensitive areas such as the Bay City State Recreation Area.

Rain water can collect in man-made containers, but homeowners can do a lot to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in them. Water in bird baths, pet dishes, and wading pools should be changed on a weekly basis. Swimming pools should be properly chlorinated and covered when not in use. Rain water should be prevented from collecting on pool covers or tarps. Lastly, rain barrels should be tightly covered with screen to prevent adult mosquitoes from laying eggs on the surface.