GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a government department under the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA), said on Wednesday that the mosquito fogging campaign comes to an end on Thursday and would like to thank the community for their assistance.
Fogging will continue on Thursday in the following areas: Rice Hill, Cherry Estate, Oyster Pond, Dawn Beach, Tamarind Hill and Red Pond Estate.
The fogging activity will be carried out from 06.00am to 08.00am or 18.00pm to 20.30pm. Residents who would like to report an increase of mosquito activity in their area can call directly the mobile number 520-2874.
Fogging affects the adult mosquito by killing them, and therefore the community must remain alert and continue to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
CPS would like to thank the general public for their excellent cooperation, also from motorists who were in the vicinity of the fogging vehicle as it drove by. Weather (rainfall) did play a role from time to time delaying the fogging activity in certain areas, however, the weather held up long enough for CPS to complete its mosquito fogging campaign.
Residents in residential areas where fogging is taking place are requested to follow these guidelines: Leave all doors and windows open to allow the insecticide to enter the building or house; Prevent pets from coming in contact with the insecticide; Toys for children should be covered, stored away and washed as caution to ensure protection; All water containers and foodstuffs etc. must be well protected from exposure to the fogging.
With the fogging activity coming to an end, communities are requested 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.
