Township reminds residents to drain after rain

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - Following recent rains, The Woodlands Township urges residents to check their properties for standing water and to empty containers to prevent mosquitoes. Drain After Rain is an easy way for homeowners to reduce mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes require standing water in order to lay their eggs; the recent rains will create more opportunities for mosquitoes to breed. Drain After Rain reduces both the local mosquito populations and the risk of mosquito-borne diseases. The Township reminds residents to think WET: Wear repellent; Eliminate breeding sites by draining; Treat where you cannot eliminate.

Eliminating mosquitoes before they grow into flying, biting adults is the most effective way to stop the insect.

“Neighbors working together to control breeding sites is by far the most effective way to reduce both disease-carrying and nuisance mosquitoes,” explained John Geiger, Environmental Services Manager for The Township. He stated that high temperatures and an abundance of stagnant water can produce a new generation of mosquitoes in about a week.

“We urge everyone to inspect their yards and dump out water from household containers such as buckets, toys, birdbaths, plant saucers, tarps or anything that can hold even the smallest amount of water,” he said. Areas of standing water that cannot be drained should be treated with Mosquito Dunks® or similar products, available at home and garden centers. These products contain Bti, a nontoxic biological larvicide that does not harm people, pets, fish or other insects.

Mr. Geiger encourages residents to ensure that their irrigation systems are not adding unneeded water to lawns during these rains. “Run-off from overwatering is a major factor in the proliferation of mosquitoes in the community,” he said. Irrigation systems should remain off for at least seven days following heavy rains; and systems that do not have an operating rain sensor should be turned to manual.

For more information about repellents and mosquito abatement, or to report mosquito concerns in The Woodlands, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/mosquitoinfo or call The Woodlands Township Environmental Services at 281-210-3800.