Mosquito fogging campaign postponed due to rainfall. CPS advises to continue to eliminate mosquito breeding place

Due to the recent rain activity, the vector control measure of mosquito fogging was postponed, the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a government department under the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, said on Wednesday.

The Vector Control Unit has reviewed the weather forecast for next week in order to determine when the mosquito fogging campaign will start. Based on the forecast, the fogging will commence next week Monday, November 12.

Additional information with respect to the areas to be fogged will be published in the Government Information Page (GIP) that is published six-days a week in the print media. This information will also be available on other Government Communication avenues such as Facebook and SXM GOV Radio 107.9FM.

CPS in the meantime advises communities to continue to destroy mosquito breeding spots; dress appropriately by wearing light colored clothing at dusk, long sleeve shirts and pants; and defend against being bitten by a mosquito by using repellent.

The Aedes Aegypti mosquito lays her eggs in clear (clean) stagnant water. Within eight days the mosquito can complete its life cycle from egg, to larvae to pupae and to adult mosquito.

Actively and properly dispose of tin cans, old tires, empty paint cans, buckets, old saucers, flowerpots, cemetery urns/vase, old pet dishes, unused plastic swimming pools or other containers that collect and hold water.

Empty and turn over containers that hold water; remove debris from rain gutters and downspouts regularly; drain or fill low places on your property where water collects and stands for more than five to seven days; make sure permanent water containers in your yard are tightly covered and insect-proof; screen off the cistern’s outlets properly with mesh wire.

Cover trash containers/garbage cans to keep rainwater from accumulating; drain old tires by recycling them; keep boats and canoes/kayaks drained, covered or overturned, empty or covered unused swimming pools.

It is very important to check around your yard at home or around your business to make sure there is no clear/clean standing water after a rain event in order to prevent mosquito breeding sites. All residents are advised to remove all potential mosquito breeding sites in order to reduce the mosquito population.

Keep Sint Maarten mosquito-free and avoid mosquito bites. For additional information on mosquito breeding site elimination measures, you can reach CPS at 542-1122, 542-1123 or 542-3553.