Milford Starts Annual Mosquito Control Program

MILFORD, CT — The city has started its annual mosquito control program in an effort to reduce the incidence of diseases including West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

“Spring is upon us and we want to make sure everyone knows what they can do to minimize mosquito bites,” Mayor Benjamin Blake said. “Citywide mosquito control activities combined with taking appropriate personal prevention measures is the best way to protect from mosquitoes.”

The city health department started monitoring and treating wetland habitats and treating marshy areas throughout the city in an effort to keep the mosquito population down. Mosquitoes can carry West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).

“Our program aims to reduce the number of adult mosquitoes through consistent
site monitoring and applying treatments of larvicide to key breeding sites," City Director of Health Deepa Joseph said in a statement.

The state Agricultural Experiment Station starts trapping and testing mosquitoes at 108 locations throughout the state starting in June to detect WNV and EEE.

The Milford Health Department advises residents to drain or dump any standing water that can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. That includes used tires, ceramic pots and tree holes.

Wearing light-colored loose-fitting clothing can reduce mosquito bites. Long sleeves and pants are best.

MPH also advises residents to use a mosquito repellant that has been registered with the Environmental Protection Agency. Examples include DEET, picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus.