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Vector Control
Code Compliance Inspectors continuing to combat adult mosquito population
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If you’re itching for relief from mosquitoes contact the Code Compliance Division of the City of El Paso Environmental Services Department at 599-6290.
Code Compliance Inspectors assigned to Vector Control take the necessary steps to try to control the adult mosquito population throughout El Paso County.
Our citizens can help prevent the spread of mosquitoes by getting rid of standing water that located outside their homes and businesses. Remember, mosquitoes can breed in even small amounts of water.
Other prevention measures shared include: making sure your roof gutters drain properly, keeping the vegetation in your yard trim, and keeping swimming pools cleaned and chlorinated even if they are not being used.
How to protect yourself
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Try to stay indoors during dusk and dawn. During warm-weather months mosquitoes are more active at dusk and dawn.
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Cover up by wearing shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors for long periods of time or during hours when mosquitoes are most active.
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Apply an insect repellent that contains DEET. On children 2 to 12 years use an insect repellent that contains 10 percent or less DEET. Repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth so try not to apply them to the hands of children. For adults use products that contain no more than 35 percent DEET. Do not use DEET on infants or pregnant women. Some people may be allergic to products that contain DEET.
How to prevent mosquito breeding
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Look around the outside of your house and get rid of any tin cans, jars, plastic containers, plant pots, old tires and any other containers that can hold stagnant water.
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Properly dispose of old tires.
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Make sure roof gutters drain properly.
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Keep all swimming pools cleaned and chlorinated even if they are not being used.
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Remove any standing water from culverts.
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Store plastic wading pools, buckets, barrels and wheelbarrows upside down so that the water cannot accumulate in them.
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Change the water in birdbaths and pet dishes at least once a week.
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Aerate ornamental ponds or stock them with fish.
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Weeds, tall grass and shrubbery provide an outdoor home for mosquitoes, so keep your yard trimmed.
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Use landscape as a way to prevent accumulation of stagnant water.
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Brochure
What You Should Know About the West Nile Virus
To report mosquito breeding, please call 599-6290.
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