Help OKC Fight Mosquitoes By Reporting Standing Water

Oklahoma City officials are asking residents to report standing water to help them fight mosquitoes this summer. 

Monday, June 8th 2015, 11:06 am

By: News 9


Oklahoma City officials are asking residents to report standing water to help them fight mosquitoes this summer. 

The record rain in May means mosquitoes will be out in force all summer long, but you can help fight them by reporting standing water and doing a few things around your house.

Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and draining or treating the water before larvae develop is the most efficient way to battle them.

Report standing water on private property to the Oklahoma City-County Health Department by using its online complaint form. You can report standing water on the property of any home or business.

Report standing water on City property to the Action Center by filling out an online service request or calling (405)-297-2535.

The City's Storm Water Quality Division tests standing water on public property for mosquito larvae. If larvae are present, crews control them with larvicide that prevents them from growing wings as they mature. It's not harmful to people, pets or wildlife.

The City does not spray for mosquitoes.

The City-County Health Department recommends “The 4 D's” to help fight mosquitoes: drain standing water, use repellant with DEET, stay indoors at dusk and dawn, and dress in long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

The City also offers the following tips:

· Get rid of garbage that holds water. Mosquitoes can lay hundreds of eggs in something as small as a soda can.

· Change water daily in birdbaths and pet water bowls.

· Clean out clogged rain gutters and repair leaky outdoor plumbing fixtures.

· Cover rain barrels with a screen as required by City ordinance.

· Boats stored outdoors should be covered or stored upside down.

· Repair damaged screens on doors and windows.

· Use mosquito dunks and other approved mosquito control products on your property. You can find them at home improvement stores. The state Agriculture, Food and Forestry Department maintains a list of approved products you can find here on the Oklahoma State University website.

· Make sure tire swings or other tires on your property aren't holding water.

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