Md. Offers Ways to Take The Bite Out of Summer
Maryland is undertaking steps such as aerial spraying to control the mosquito population.
(By Richard T. Nowitz)
TOOLBOX
   Resize
COMMENT
 Discussion Policy
 CLOSE
Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
Who's Blogging  |
Recent rainstorms have produced soggy conditions that, combined with warmer temperatures, have been creating ideal conditions for mosquitoes, the Maryland Department of Agriculture said.
Efforts to control the insects are underway statewide through the Maryland Mosquito Control Program, which involves ground and aerial spraying along with other steps. The program, which began in 1956, serves 2,000 communities.
Agriculture Secretary Earl F. "Buddy" Hance urges residents to reduce breeding areas for mosquitoes by taking the following steps:
-- Remove buckets, cups, bottles, plastic bags or other containers from areas where mosquitoes can breed.
-- Clean roof gutters that might be clogged by debris from trees.
-- Check rain barrels to make sure they are completely screened, including around the downspout.
-- Remove old tires or drill holes in tires used for playground equipment. Store usable tires in a shed or garage so water will not accumulate in them.
-- Repair dripping outdoor faucets.
-- Introduce fish to ornamental ponds, even those with fountains, since fish typically eat mosquito larvae.
-- Make sure outdoor trash cans have tight-fitting lids, or drill holes in the bottoms of the cans if lids are not available.
For information about the mosquito control program, call 410-841-5870 or go to http:/
