Montgomery News

Chevy Chase Village issued the following announcement on July 17.

No, it is not just your imagination. The spring rains—including the wettest May on record—in our region were a breeding paradise for mosquitos. The Maryland Department of Agriculture is reporting that mosquitos have multiplied, in some areas to as much as three times their normal numbers. Aside from just being a nuisance, mosquitos carry diseases such as West Nile and Zika, making these increased numbers and their bites something of legitimate concern for residents.

Below is a list of steps you can take to decrease the mosquito breeding sites on your property:

1. Clean rain gutters to allow water to flow freely.
2. Remove old tires or drill drainage holes in tires used for playground equipment.
3. Store plastic wading pools inside or turn them upside down when not in use.
4. Turn over or remove clay pots and plastic containers.
5. Dispose of all empty beverage containers, plastic wrappers, discarded toys, etc.
6. Check for trapped water in plastic or canvas tarps used to cover boats, pools, etc. Arrange the tarp to drain the water.
7. Pump out bilges in boats. Turn canoes and small boats upside down for storage.
8. Replace water in bird baths at least twice a week.
9. Remove pet food and water dishes that are not being used.
10. Don't leave garbage can lids lying upside down. Be sure water does not collect in the bottom of garbage cans.
11. Flush water in the bottom of plant holders twice a week.
12. Fix dripping outside water faucets.
13. Turn wheelbarrows upside down when stored outside.
14. Check around construction sites or do-it-yourself improvements to ensure that proper backfilling and grading prevent drainage problems.
15. Check ornamental ponds, tree holes and water-holding low areas for mosquito larvae. Call the nearest Mosquito Control Office (see below) if you find, or suspect, mosquito larvae are present.
16. If ditches do not flow and contain stagnant water for one week or longer, they can produce large numbers of mosquitoes. Report such conditions to a Mosquito Control Office. Do not attempt to clear these ditches because they may be protected by wetland regulations.

 Contact the Mosquito Control Section of the Maryland Department of Agriculture for additional assistance and advice.

Maryland Department of Agriculture

Mosquito Control Offices

Annapolis (Headquarters) 410-841-5870

Southern Maryland 301-373-4263

Original source can be found here.