Do you know what the deadliest predator in Orange County is? It’s not sharks, mountain lions, snakes or spiders. In fact, the deadliest animal is the annoying, buzzing mosquito. These pests can host a multitude of deadly diseases such as the West Nile virus, Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and many more.
A common type of mosquito in the Orange County area is the Aedes mosquito. They are small with black and white stripes and are daytime nuisances. These insects need only a tiny bit of water to breed. Even a bottlecap with water can be a breeding ground for these mosquitos. It is essential to check that you do not have any standing water in or around your household to help prevent mosquito bites.
If you see standing water, tip it, toss it and take action.
Places you should check for standing water include:
- Tarps that aren’t tight fitting and collect water
- Uncovered and untreated swimming pools
- Vases with water
- Holes or tears in your window screens or screen doors
- Pet water dishes
- Drains
- Saucers from potted plants
- Ponds
- Clogged rain gutters
- Leaky hoses
- And many more…
This summer, make sure you tip any standing water weekly, toss any unnecessary containers, apply repellent to exposed skin when outdoors, and wear long sleeves and pants.
To learn more about how you can protect yourself and your family this season, go to www.mosquitoessuck.org.
