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Cumberland Health Department offers free mosquito insecticide

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Residents may pick up free mosquito insecticide from the Cumberland County Department of Public Health while supplies last.

The product, Mosquito Dunks, is a biological pest control agent that kills mosquito larvae. It is non-toxic to fish, birds, wildlife and pets, the county said in a release.

Cumberland County residents can pick up a two-month supply of the insecticide in the Environmental Health section on the third floor of the Health Department on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Health Department is at 1235 Ramsey St.

The dunks are placed in water, where they float. Each dunk is effective for 30 days and will cover 100 square feet of surface, the release said. They can be placed in areas where standing water creates a breeding ground for mosquitoes, including lakes, fishponds and drainage ditches.

West Nile virus, La Crosse and Eastern equine encephalitis are the most reported mosquito-borne illnesses that can be acquired in North Carolina, the release said.

The Health Department said there are other ways residents can control mosquitoes, including tipping over containers that may have standing water. That could include flowerpots, tires, buckets or jars.

The Health Department also offered these tips to prevent mosquito bites:

  • Keep children’s wading pools empty or stored on their side when not in use.
  • Use insect repellent containing DEET when outside.
  • Wear long sleeves and pants at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active or stay inside during these hours.
  • Make sure windows and doors have good screens to keep mosquitoes out.

 

Health Department, mosquitoes, insecticide

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