Executive Secretary

Leon A. Gaumond Jr., M.P.A.

Telephone: 413-525-5400x420

Fax : 413-525-1025

Email: lgaumond@eastlongmeadow.org

From: Board of Health, East Longmeadow, MA

May 13, 2004

NEWS RELEASE:

Now that mosquito season is upon us, and in conjunction with the threat of West Nile Virus, East Longmeadow’s Board of Health wishes to share the following information and recommendations concerning the control of mosquitoes on your property.

In an attempt to reduce mosquito populations around your home and neighborhood, get rid of any standing water that is available for mosquito breeding. Mosquitoes will breed in any puddle or standing water that lasts for more than four days. Here are some simple steps that you can take:

· Disposal of metal cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots and other water holding containers that have collected on your property.

· Pay special attention to discarded tires that may have collected on your property. Tires are a common place for mosquitoes to breed.

· Drill holes on the bottom of recycling containers that are left outdoors so that water can drain out.

· Clean clogged roof gutters.

· Turn over plastic wading pools and wheel barrels when not in use, and do not allow water to stagnate in birdbaths.

· Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish, keep swimming pools clean and properly chlorinated.

· Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.

· Packets of BST may be purchased by the general public and used safely by residents. This product is available at lawn and garden stores

Following these simple recommendations will make for a more comfortable spring and summer for our community.

Finally, the Town of East Longmeadow will once again be participating in the reporting of dead birds within the community. Any resident who finds a recently deceased bird on their property should contact the Public Health Information Line at 1-866-627-7968 and a live operator will obtain all the necessary information.