In addition to responding to fires, the Chanute Fire Department is working to fight a different opponent: mosquitoes.
Fire department crews are spraying for mosquitoes each morning, beginning at 5 a.m., during a peak activity time for mosquitoes.
The department said in a post on social media that the spray has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency, and is used in low concentrations.
The spray specifically targets mosquitoes, and when used as directed, the spray is safe for people, pets, and wildlife, according to the post.
To aid in this process, outdoor toys, pet dishes, or laundry should be brought in or covered; stay indoors while the spraying is occurring; and minimize standing water on one’s land.
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. The biting insects can be particularly fruitful in years with a wet spring. However, only the female mosquitoes bite; requiring meals of blood to support their eggs.
Mosquitoes are most active between April and September, peaking in the late summer months according to K-State Research and Extension.
Other ways to deter creating habitats for mosquitoes include the following.
—Dump standing water in objects such as flowerpots, buckets, or toys.
—Clean out gutters so water doesn’t collect.
—Cover rain barrels and trash cans with tight-fitting lids or screens.
—Change water weekly in birdbaths and pet bowls.
—Keep grass and shrubs trimmed to reduce resting spots for mosquitoes.
—Get rid of water trapped in plastic covers on boats and swimming pools.
—Stock garden ponds with mosquito-eating fish, such as minnows and goldfish.
To protect oneself against mosquitoes the K-State Research and Extension office recommends applying an insect repellent containing DEET. The more DEET the repellent contains the longer the effect will last. However, products containing more than 33% DEET are not recommended.
Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants can prevent getting bitten, but it should be kept in mind that mosquitoes can bite through thin clothing.
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