Staci DumoskiIf you’ve found yourself scratching bug bites more than usual, you’re not alone. Mosquito populations have seen an uptick in Southern California lately, with new invasive species that easily make themselves at home in urban environments.
The pesky biters are invading homes, offices and dorms, and can become a nuisance even indoors. Now’s the time to take steps to protect yourself, your family and our campus community.
Start by eliminating standing water around your home or office, inside and out. Check containers and landscaping features around your yard for places where water might collect. Even indoor vases and plant saucers can become a breeding ground for these biting bugs!
- Remove or drill holes in the bottom of all plant pots, saucers, barrels, bins and old tires.
- Do not keep water in buckets or root plant cuttings in water. Sharing plant cuttings can spread mosquito eggs.
- Cover trash cans, toys and recycle bins, and keep unneeded items out of the rain.
- Ensure rain barrels are properly sealed since mosquitoes can lay thousands of eggs inside them.
- Dump and drain any containers filled with water at least once a week.
- Clean and scrub bird baths and pet water bowls weekly.
- Dump water from potted plant saucers.
- Do not transport or share plant stems rooted in water.
- Drill a hole or puncture containers to eliminate standing water.
To prevent bites, make sure to close unscreened doors and windows, and repair damaged screens to keep mosquitos from coming indoors. Before you go out, apply bug repellant to bare skin, wear long sleeved-shirts and pants, and opt for light-colored clothing to keep from getting bit.
The Chapman University Department of Risk Management has put together more information about mosquitos in the area, along with tips to help yourself mosquito-free. Download the helpful PDF here: https://www.chapman.edu/faculty-staff/risk-management/invasive-mosquito-alert-update_10-2019.pdf
