Empty standing water after rain

VECTOR CONTROL

In the aftermath of the February downpour that flooded streets and downed trees, LW residents are encouraged to empty sources of standing water, an action which can dramatically reduce mosquito populations. Beyond the nuisance, mosquitoes can cause sickness and death through disease agents they can carry, including Zika and West Nile virus.

According to the Orange County Vector Control District, a large portion of mosquitoes are produced in residential backyards in small breeding sources. It only takes a bottle cap of water to provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Common sources of standing water include rain gutters, overflow saucers on flower pots, water bowls for pets, fountains and birdbaths, open trash bins, buckets, barrels and low-lying areas.

Mosquitoes are vectors for diseases like Zika and West Nile virus.