The Buzz is a weekly summary
disseminate important information about mosquitoes and mosquito
control in the City of Portsmouth.
|
This dry birdbath has dark rings around the edges, pine straw, and
leaves containing mosquitoes eggs that are ready to hatch when it
rains. Taken June 12, 2008 |
| Mosquito Activity (Scale from 0 to 5) |
- City wide activity remains a 1.
- The high 90 degree heat wave broke earlier this week. The very
hot conditions helped most areas to completely dry up. Areas with
irrigation remain wet and productive.
- In general trap counts were lower this week. Complaint calls
increased this week as expected.
|
| Surveillance and Control |
- 11 CDC style light traps were set this week, a total of 1,026
mosquitoes were caught. The average number of mosquitoes per trap
was 93. This was down slightly from last week, but salt marsh
mosquito counts increased in areas north of the western freeway
(164). A few extra traps were set this week in advance of the areal
spray next week.
- 5 OFP style traps were set this week, a total of 140 tiger
mosquitoes were caught. The average number of tiger mosquitoes per
trap was 15. This was about double the count from last week.
- 4 gravid traps were set this week, a total of 45 mosquitoes were
caught. The average number of mosquitoes per trap was 11. This was
the same as last week. Trap numbers were too low to send any
mosquitoes for virus testing.
- This week efforts were focused on inspecting mosquito breeding
sites. Most areas are dry at this time, back ditches and storm
drains are the primary mosquito breeders at this time.
- A few areas in North Churchland are scheduled for spraying
tonight. Information on spray activities is posted on the Mosquito
Spray Hotline (393-8666 press 1 when prompted). Citizens can call
and listen to a recorded message to find out what areas are
scheduled for mosquito spraying.
|
| Service Requests |
- We received 7 service requests this week, mostly mixed bag of
complaints caused by salt marsh mosquitoes and reports of standing
water in ditches.
|
| Federal Activities |
- The Air Force aerial spray team is scheduled to be in town
spraying parts of our region June 16, 17, 18.
- We will continue to monitor mosquito populations and determine
mid to late next week what areas if any need to be treated by the
Air Force.
- Any information regarding areas in Portsmouth scheduled to be
sprayed will be posted on the Portsmouth Mosquito Hotline as soon
details are available.
|
| Tips For Around The Home |
- Clean birdbaths with a 10% bleach solution once a month.
- Allow the birdbath to dry out completely at least once a week.
- Birdbaths with fountains also need to have pumps and filters
cleaned out weekly.
|
|
 |
