Public invited to presentation on mosquito-borne disease prevention

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – On Thursday, March 31, 2016, at 7:30 p.m., The Woodlands Township presents Dr. Rudy Bueno, public health entomologist, in Mosquito-Borne Disease: Get the Facts! at McCullough Junior High School at 3800 South Panther Creek Drive.

As the former Director of Harris County Mosquito Control District, Dr. Bueno will explain how mosquito-borne diseases are transmitted, how to reduce the risk of contracting a mosquito-borne disease, and what steps The Woodlands Township and Montgomery County are taking to address concerns about these diseases, including Zika and West Nile virus.

Dr. Bueno will also share the latest research on mosquitoes, natural control mechanisms and effective abatement measures. This free presentation will focus on the importance of local surveillance efforts and reveal how homeowners can reduce mosquitoes on their property.

According to Dr. Bueno, many mosquitoes are “homegrown,” breeding in standing water that can be found right around the home. Two mosquito species are most concerning: Culex quinquefaciatus, the Southern House mosquito, is carrier of West Nile virus, and Aedes albopictus, the Asian Tiger mosquito, is a vector of Zika, dengue and chikungunya.

Residents can decrease the number of mosquitoes on their property by monitoring and eliminating all sources of standing water. French drains, water meter boxes, bird baths and plant saucers hold water and can become breeding sites. Residents are encouraged to remove debris and dump any container that holds water, and treat standing water that cannot be drained with a biological larvacide, such as mosquito dunks and mosquito bits. These products are available at local hardware and home improvement stores.

This presentation is a production of The Woodlands Township’s Environmental Services Department. For more information about the Township’s Environmental Services Department and mosquito information, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/mosquitoinfo or call 281-210-3800.