The City of El Paso is taking steps to prevent mosquito breeding sites, with the Vector Control Program of the Code Enforcement Department educating residents on how to reduce them. Recent rainstorms have increased mosquito activity across the city, and the program wants to teach residents to reduce them.
The Four Ds
Dr. Hector Ocaranza, with the Vector Control Program, recommends following the ‘Four Ds’ to avoid mosquito bites: DEET, DRESS, DUSK & DAWN, and DRAIN. Using insect repellents with DEET, wearing long sleeves and pants, taking extra care during peak mosquito biting hours, and draining standing water from flowerpots, gutters, and other areas can help prevent mosquito breeding.
Ginny Castaneda from the Vector Control Program notes that it only takes a small amount of water for mosquitoes to start their breeding process, and that preventing mosquito breeding ‘starts with you.’ The program handles mosquito breeding areas in city properties, but it’s residents’ responsibility to apply the Four Ds to their personal properties.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
