Officials ask public to help identify mosquito breeding areas

With the recent rain, Yuma County is asking the public to help identify mosquito breeding areas in the community.

The county’s Vector Control Division, who focus on mosquito control and prevention, is currently examining many areas in Yuma County.

Plastic pools, wheelbarrows, empty planters, and associated kids’ toys that lay in the yard are primary concerns, according to Yuma County.

“People don’t generally think about these items as potential breeding grounds, yet many times they are the source of the problem,” explains Diana Gomez, Yuma County Health District Director. “Something as small as a bottle cap full of water is enough to create an ideal mosquito breeding ground.”

Mosquitos can transmit viruses that may cause illnesses such as Dengue, West Nile Virus, St. Louis Encephalitis, and Zika.

Residents are advised to wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, and apply mosquito repellant.