Mosquito Control

The Town of Cumberland remains dedicated in our efforts to control the mosquito population through the application of larvicide to public waterways and drainage. The town has found that treating breeding grounds with larvicides to be more effective and safer for public health than treating the air with adulticides. This year because of conditions we are increasing our treatment frequencies. 

The E.P.A. has been monitoring mosquito populations and has found that their numbers are increasing annually due to rising temperatures and above average rainfall and humidity. The Town follows these studies and stays up to date with their information to better address the issue locally.

Areas of town that will be more affected are areas near farm fields, Creeks, Ponds, or with standing water issues. The town recommends the following measure to citizens to help control mosquitos on private property:

Remove Mosquito Habitats

• Eliminate standing water in rain gutters, old tires, buckets, plastic covers, toys, or any other container where mosquitoes can breed.
• Empty and change the water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted plant trays at least once a week to destroy potential mosquito habitats.
• Drain or fill temporary pools of water with dirt.
• Keep swimming pool water treated and circulating.

Use Appropriate Pesticides

• Treat areas with standing water with a larvicide available online or at most hardware stores.

Use Structural Barriers

• Cover all gaps in walls, doors, and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
• Make sure window and door screens are in good working order.
• Completely cover baby carriers and beds with netting.

Avoid Getting Bitten

• Keep mosquitoes away from exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks.
• Tuck shirts into pants and pants into socks to cover gaps in your clothing where mosquitoes can get to your skin.
• Stay indoors when possible, especially if there is a mosquito-borne disease warning in effect.
• Use EPA-registered mosquito repellents when necessary and follow label directions and precautions closely.
• Use head nets, long sleeves, and long pants if you venture into areas with high mosquito populations, such as marshes.
• Replace your outdoor lights with yellow "bug" lights, which tend to attract fewer mosquitoes than ordinary lights. The yellow lights are NOT repellents, however.