Post-storm, control standing water to keep mosquitoes away

After the heavy rain brought on by Post-Tropical Storm Hermine, public health officials are reminding everyone to minimize standing outdoor water around their homes to keep disease-carrying mosquitoes at bay.

Posted 6:01 p.m. Sep 4, 2016 — Updated 6:01 p.m. Sep 4, 2016

RALEIGH, N.C. — After the recent heavy rain brought on by Post-Tropical Storm Hermine, public health officials are reminding people to minimize standing outdoor water around their homes to keep annoying mosquitoes at bay.

According to the North Carolina Division of Public Health, "Storms with high wind and rain can wash away existing mosquito breeding sites, but as standing water recedes, it provides new breeding sites for mosquitoes to develop and flourish." Officials say that mosquito eggs remain dormant through a dry period and then hatch when covered with water.

Although not all mosquitoes carry disease, they're not pests people enjoy having around.

Disposing of standing water is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce breeding sites for mosquitoes near houses. Officials from the N.C. Division of Public Health suggest the following to keep pests away:

Reduce mosquito breeding opportunities by emptying standing water from pool covers, buckets, outdoor pet water dishes and birdbaths at least once a week.

Clean up leaves or trash around your home or in rain gutters.

Use tick and mosquito repellent that contains DEET on exposed skin.

Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitos outside.

Keep windows and doors shut, and use air conditioning if you have it.

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