The objective of the Mosquito Control program is to protect the public health by implementing an on-going mosquito surveillance and control program.
West Nile virus is an infection transmitted by mosquitoes that can cause encephalitis in humans, birds and horses. Most infections of West Nile encephalitis in humans are mild with symptoms that include fever, headache, body aches, skin rashes, and swollen lymph glands. Severe cases are marked by headache, high fever, disorientation, coma, and in rare cases death.
The mosquitoes that transmit the disease become infected when they feed on infected birds. Most mosquitoes are not infected and the chances that anyone will become severely ill from any one mosquito bite are very small.
In response to the threat of West Nile Virus, and in conjunction with Loudoun County's and other agencies' efforts, the town has assumed responsibility for mosquito surveillance and control on town owned properties to protect residents. The town owned properties include municpal and public work sites, town parks, utility sites, storm water collection system and roadside ditches.
The town has conducted initial surveys of all town owned properties and has begun a continued surveillance and monitoring program. Where standing water is found to harbor breeding mosquitoes, these areas are treated by applying larvicide pellets to control the growth of developing mosquitoes. The larvicide pellets being used are environmental sensitive and will do their job against the mosquitoes and degrade rapidly without any accumulation in the soil, water or air.
The town is encouraging citizens to eliminate mosquito breeding areas around their homes.
Yard and Home Checklist to Control Mosquito Breeding
- Get rid of old tires, tin cans, buckets, drums, bottles or any water holding containers.
- Fill in or drain any low places (puddles or ruts) in yard.
- Keep drains, ditches and culverts clean of weeds and trash so water will drain properly.
- Cover trash containers to keep out rainwater.
- Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets.
- Empty plastic wading pool at least once a week and store it indoors when not in use.
- Clean roof gutters.
- Change the water in bird baths and plant pots or drip trays at least once per week.
- Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well trimmed around the house so adult mosquitoes will not hide there.
Ways to Protect Your Family from Mosquitoes
- If possible, stay indoors when mosquitoes are biting.
- Wear clothes that are long, loose and light in color.
- Only apply repellent to exposed skin and clothing.
- Do not apply repellent on your eyes or mouth or over cuts, wounds, sunburn or irritated skin.
Birds, particularly crows, blue jays, and raptors (owls, vultures, falcons), are very susceptible to West Nile virus. Birds found dead with no apparent cause of death should be reported to Loudoun County Health Department at 703-777-0234. After normal business hours and on weekends, contact the Loudoun County Sheriff's office.
For more information on Leesburg's Mosquito Control Program, contact a Utility Compliance Officer at the Town of Leesburg Utilities Department (703) 771-2750.
