The City’s 2017 Mosquito Control Program began on June 1, and runs until October. The program is aimed at protecting public health by reducing the number of mosquitoes during the mosquito season. The Vector Control Division of the Department of Public Works is equipped with three Ultra Low Volume fogger trucks that travel along public streets fogging/spraying designated areas throughout the City three days a week. The designated fogging areas are based upon mosquito trap counts and service requests.

The City’s program also includes on-site property inspections, eliminating breeding sites such as standing water, and using low-toxicity pesticides to reduce mosquito larvae when removing standing water is not feasible. For inquiries about the property inspection program, contact the Newport News 311 Center at 311@nnva.gov or 757-933-2311.

Below is a list of practices you can apply to reduce mosquito breeding habitats around your home.

• Change the water in birdbaths, ornamental ponds at least twice a week.
• Clean leaf-filled drains to allow proper drainage.
• Fill in or drain any ground depressions on your property.
• Keep grass mowed and shrubbery well-pruned to avoid breeding sites.
• Clean roof areas and leaf-filled gutters to allow proper drainage.
• Ensure that your pool filtration is operational.
• Turn containers, baby pools, and pots upside down when not in use.
• Screen or cover rain barrels, garbage cans and other large containers.
• Properly dispose of old tires.
• Repair leaky water faucets, water hoses and air conditioners.

Finally, be informed! Learn about Zika, an infection caused by the Zika virus that spreads to people primarily through bites of infected mosquitoes. The Virginia Department of Health has valuable information on its website www.vdh.virginia.gov/zika/. Currently, all Virginia Zika cases are associated with travel to Zika-affected areas.

Working together, we can take a bite out of mosquitoes!