The city of Perry announced Wednesday that weekly spraying for mosquitoes will start Thursday, June 4 and occur every Thursday evening, weather permitting. In case of rain, city crews will spray on Friday or Saturday evening.
Wet weather creates pools of standing water, the prime breeding habitat for mosquitoes. Perry residents are advised to check their yard and drain any standing water in planters, buckets, water barrels, stopped-up gutters, tires and the like.
During wet weather, residents should check for standing water at least once a week. Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water, but it takes seven to 10 days for the eggs to hatch. As long as water does not stand for that long, the mosquitoes can be somewhat controlled.
Some spots cannot be drained. If you know of an area where water consistently collects, call the Perry Street Department at 515-465-2675. The Street Department can treat the standing water with a chemical that will keep mosquito larvae from maturing.
There is no way to eliminate mosquitoes and their bites entirely, but health experts recommend wearing repellent, particularly in the early morning and in the cool of the evening when mosquitoes are most active.
For more information, call the Perry City Hall at 515-465-2481.
A better way to say it is weekly butterfly and bee spraying to begin. Who needs pollinators.