Landscaping & Lawn Tips to Fight the Bite of Zika

zika

Zika, with Summer upon us it is important to prepare to avoid a breakout, The following from the city of Miami Beach will help in mosquito control.

The most effective way to prevent the spread of the virus is to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites. Remember, mosquitoes can breed in as little as a teaspoon of water. Reduce your risk by following these tips:

• Empty all planters and bird baths weekly.
• Remove all water-holding plants, especially bromeliads, if you are unable to maintain weekly upkeep in flushing these plants.All bromeliads in city landscaping have been removed and we strongly encourage all residents and businesses to follow suit. Please bag bromeliads before tossing them out.If you have 10 or fewer bags of bromeliads, you may place them out on your scheduled day of regular garbage service pick-up. If there will be more than 10 placed out, you may call the city’s Sanitation Division directly at 305.673.7616 and they will pick up the bags of bromeliad plants only. Alternatively, you have the option of taking these plants to the city’s Green Waste Facility located at 2800 Meridian Avenue, Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  What we know

  • It is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus). These mosquitoes bite during the day and night.
  • Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman(https://www.cdc.gov/zika/pregnancy/index_bckp.html) to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects.
  • There is no vaccine or medicine.
  • Local mosquito-borne Zika virus transmission has been reported in the continental United States. Learn more(https://www.cdc.gov/zika/intheus/florida-update.html).

•  Ensure all outdoor furniture, grills or fire pits do not have any stagnant water.