DEP tells how to reduce mosquito activity

The Department of Environmental Protection is asking residents of Lancaster County to do the following simple activities to reduce mosquito activity in their area:

• Dispose of cans, buckets, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or similar containers that hold water.
• Property dispose of discarded tires that can collect water.  Stagnant water is where most mosquitoes breed.
• Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers.
• Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year as the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug drains.
• Turn over wheelbarrows and plastic wading pools when not in use and don’t let water stagnate in birdbaths.
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use and remove any water that may collect on pool covers.
• Wear insect repellant during times of mosquito activity.  Aedes mosquitoes are active during daylight hours.
• Keep doors and windows tightly closed, or ensure that screens do not have holes or tears that can allow mosquitoes to get inside the house.