I am writing because of my concern about the Zika Virus. A few years ago, the city use to spray areas for mosquitoes. They sprayed at night on my street which is near Chickamauga Creek.
I reached out to Chattanooga 311 and the Health Department about their plans for prevention for the area. I found out that there is no plan other than advising residents to wear long-sleeve clothing. The Health Department goes on to say they will do as advised by CDC. To me that is the minimum response. Whether the mosquitoes are “daytime biters” or not is insignificant. Spraying will eliminate the overall mosquito population, thus reducing overall exposure and risk.
I feel in light of the virus spreading that the spraying should be resumed as a matter of added prevention and protection for the citizens.
Attached are copies of email responses from Chattanooga 311 and the Health Department.
Dear Mr./Ms. Morris,
Chattanooga 311 forwarded your request for mosquito spraying to us here at the Hamilton County Health Department. We did have a mosquito control program years ago but it was discontinued due to budget constraints. We have been following guidance from the Centers of Disease Control that states the best way to prevent contracting any mosquito borne disease is to use personal protective measures to reduce the chances of being bitten by mosquitos. Some of those measures include using insect repellent when outdoors (Zika transmitting mosquitos are daytime biters), wearing long pants and long sleeves, and keeping windows and doors shut if they are not screened.
Rest assured that the Health Department is surveilling this disease in our county and state very closely. Please call me if you have questions or refer to the CDC guidance at CDC.gov
Thank You,
Bonnie Deakins
Good morning CE,
Thank you for contacting the City of Chattanooga. You may contact the Hamilton County Health Dept. by calling (423-209-8010) for an update as to what they are planning to do in regards to the Zika Crisis.
As for spraying for mosquitoes, you will need to contact a private pest control company or you may contact the Mosquito Squad of Chattanooga (423-386-5943) for a consultation on the services they provide.
Sonya Shannon, city of Chattanooga
More should be done. Any suggestions on who can do something?
C.E. Morris
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News of the Zika virus is unsettling. The World Health Organization continues to provide updates on this global public health emergency and I seem to get daily news about new and different ways the Zika virus and other vector-borne illnesses are thriving.
While the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention advises us to dress in long sleeves and reduce standing water in our yards, in reality, who has the time to put that on our “to do” list?
I can’t afford not to, but there’s more we all can do. If I walk my yard regularly to remove items that catch water, address landscape issues that cause water to pool and implement other yard maintenance protocols, like proper grass height, how to dispose of lawn debris and more, I can reduce the mosquito population and, if we work with neighbors, the neighborhood and surrounding communities we can make a bigger difference to reduce the mosquito population.
It’s imperative that we band together with an aggressive approach to mosquito elimination and help our community reduce mosquito breeding grounds. Mosquitoes can also carry other diseases typically contracted abroad including Chikungunya and Dengue so proactive mosquito control is something that we all should make a part of our lives.
My dogs and I spend so much of my time outdoors, in my yard, entertaining, biking and kayaking, these are all a huge part of my life. I don’t intend to spend my time inside because of these reports. As owner of Mosquito Squad, I’m extremely aware that mosquitoes are a problem, and recommend getting proactive with our neighbors and fellow Chattanoogans. I’ve seen communities like ours come together and implement DIY mosquito control measures to help reduce mosquito populations and our exposure to vector-borne illnesses.
Here’s what we need to do now:
Tip over anything that holds or collects water. A bottle cap filled with water holds enough water for mosquitoes to breed. Since mosquitoes breed in standing water, the elimination of standing water decreases a mosquito’s breeding ground. Mosquito Squad technicians report that yards with bird baths, play sets with tire swings, tree houses, portable fireplaces and pits and catch basins are the biggest offenders.
Toss any yard trash including clippings, leaves and twigs. Even the smallest items can provide a haven for mosquitoes and increase the population.
Turn over items that could hold water and trash. Look for children’s portable sandboxes, slides or plastic toys; underneath and around downspouts; in plant saucers, empty pots, light fixtures and dog water bowls. Eliminate these items or keep them turned over until used.
Remove tarps that can catch water. Many homeowners have tarps or covers on items residing in their outdoor spaces. If not stretched taut, they are holding water. Check tarps over firewood piles, portable fire places, recycling cans, boats, sports equipment and grills. Mosquito Squad suggests using bungee cords to secure tarps in the yard.
Take care of your home. Proper maintenance can be a deciding factor in property values and mosquito bites. Regularly clean out gutters and make sure the downspout is attached properly. Mosquito Squad recommends re-grading areas where water stands more than a few hours, and to regularly check irrigation systems to ensure that they aren’t leaking and causing a breeding haven. Keep lawn height low and areas weed-free.
Team up. Despite taking all precautions in your own home, talking with neighbors is a key component to mosquito control. Townhomes and homes with little space between lots mean that mosquitoes can breed at a neighbor’s home, and affect your property.
Treat. Utilize a professional mosquito elimination barrier treatment around the home and yard. Using a barrier treatment at home reduces the need for using DEET-containing bug spray on the body.
Brad Ledford, Owner
Mosquito Squad