Tyler Animal Control working to prevent mosquitoes this summer

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – The City of Tyler is working to prevent mosquitoes throughout the summer.

“Every year, we treat for mosquitoes, and it seems to be every year the season gets longer and longer,” said Mary Fowler, the City of Tyler Animal and Mosquito Control Supervisor.

This effort begins in April with Tyler Animal Control tossing mosquito briquets into Tyler creeks. The briquets are all natural, and they don’t float away or harm the water. The briquets change the mosquito before they hatch, and they last 160 days.

“When mosquito tries to hatch out of the larvae, it’s kind of mutated so it never makes it to a full-grown mosquito,” Fowler said.

Even after briquets have been placed where they are needed, Tyler Animal Control continues with several efforts through the year.

They also spray mineral oil when needed. The oil causes larvae to die because the oil prevents them from getting the air they need.

As Tyler Animal Control receives complaints, they check nearby creeks and then they check the house the complaint originated from. At the house, they point out places with standing water where mosquitoes could lay their eggs.

“Even a capful of water can hold up to a hundred mosquitoes. People just don’t think about that,” Fowler said.

While the City of Tyler Animal Control cannot treat private property, they still do what they can to help because they know how important it is.

“Mosquitoes cause diseases. We’re trying to prevent that. That’s why we go check all the creeks. That’s why we go educate people,” Fowler said.

As recent rains dry up around Tyler, the standing water left is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

If you have any questions about mosquitoes around your home in Tyler, reach out to the City of Tyler Animal Control.

To help control mosquitoes, remember the four D’s:

• use an insect repellent that contains deet
• dress in loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants
• avoid being outside during dusk and dawn
• drain any standing water around your home so mosquitoes can’t lay eggs.

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