The City of Hattiesburg Public Works Department is partnering with the Mississippi Health Department to prevent the spread of mosquito-transmitted diseases such as West Nile, Chikungunya and Zika virus. The Public Works Department will begin spraying pesticide throughout the community on April 4th – November 4th. To limit exposure to citizens, spraying will occur Monday-Friday between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m., and 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. The Department will alternate between oil and water based solutions so that mosquitoes will not develop an immunity to the pesticide. To help keep your family safe, the Health Department suggests the following:
- Avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito biting times-mornings and evenings
- Wear light-colored, long pants and long sleeve shirts when outside.
- Use a DEET-based mosquito repellant.
- Use mosquito netting when camping outdoors.
- Make sure screens on windows and doors are in good repair with no rips or tears.
- Remove items that can hold water such as broken washing machines, and trash cans.
- Remove debris from drains, ditches and culverts so water can drain properly.
- Fill tree holes with mortar or sand.
- Drill holes in the bottom of tire swings.
- Empty or change water in pet dishes, bird baths, horse troughs, etc. at least once a week.
- Keep roof gutters clean.
- Cover rain barrels with screening.
- Fill-in low lying areas in your yard that may hold standing water.
- Repair failed septic systems.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, even if not in use.
If the standing water cannot be removed safely, contact the City of Hattiesburg Public Works Department at 601-545-4547. For additional information about mosquito bite prevention, visit www.cdc.gov/features/StopMosquitoes.
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