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The City of Austell has an annual larviciding program using mosquito
dunks and mosquito pellets. The following priority list is followed for
locations within the city limits:
Catch Basins/Storm Drains
City Parks
Areas of constant standing water
West Nile Virus is a disease that is spread by mosquitoes. At times,
West Nile Virus may infect humans or other types of animals. Symptoms of
West Nile Virus in humans are usually mild, and may include fever,
headache, swollen glands, and/or a rash. Encephalitis and death occur
rarely. West Nile Virus is most serious in people who are over 50 years
old.
Do not get
mosquito bites!!! You do not have to stop participating in outdoor
activities, but you can reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes
if you:
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Reduce your time
spent outdoors when mosquitoes are most active. |
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Wear pants, long
sleeves, shoes, and socks when you are outdoors while mosquitoes are
active. |
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Consider using a
mosquito repellent that contains DEET on exposed skin. For children,
use products that contain 10% or less DEET. Do not apply to the hands
of children. For adults, use products that contain no more than 30%
DEET. DO NOT use DEET on infants or pregnant women. Carefully read
and follow directions on the container and wash treated skin with soap
and water when mosquito exposure has ended. Make sure your home and
porch have tight-fitting screens that keep mosquitoes out.
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Do not allow
mosquitoes to breed near your home. Most mosquito species do not fly
very far and all mosquitoes need water to breed. It doesn’t take
much water and it doesn’t take much time. Mosquitoes can lay eggs in
almost anything that will hold water for one week. Eliminate all
standing water from your property. |
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Properly throw
away or destroy old tires. |
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Dispose of tin
cans, jars, plant pots, and any other containers that can hold water.
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Make sure roof
gutters drain properly. Clean clogged gutters in the Spring and Fall. |
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Store
wheelbarrows, tubs, buckets, barrels, and boats upside down do that
water cannot accumulate in them. |
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Screen or cover
rain barrels. |
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Change the water
in bird baths, small wading pools, and pet dishes at least once a
week. Aerate ornamental ponds or stock them with fish.
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Properly
chlorinate backyard swimming pools. Cover any pool that is not in use
so rainwater and leaves do not accumulate in it. Be sure the cover
does not hold pockets of water. |
To
report dead birds (crows, blue jays, and raptors only) for pickup and
transporting for surveillance testing of the virus, call
Cobb County Environmental Health Office
(770)
435-7815 |
