VALDOSTA —
The latest announcement of a mosquito carrying the West Nile Virus came on a hot, rainy day. The type of day that creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Meaning, you will likely see even more mosquitoes hovering on and above the puddles of water left by the rains. This year has been thick with mosquitoes. By early spring, they had already populated back yards, flew near doorways and flitted around kitchen sinks and bathtubs in some homes.
Mosquitoes are like people in that they seek cooler places to be. They hover around standing water. They seek shade. They are more likely to be abundant in the early morning and evening hours.
Their bites are often described as pesky but, with West Nile and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, they can be deadly.
So, people should take precautions. Lowering the mosquito population reduces the chances of a person becoming infected by such viruses.
— While you may not be able to disperse water puddles under bushes, dispose of items containing water around your house — bird baths, bowls, playground equipment, etc.
— Use larvicide where standing water cannot be removed.
— Stock ornamental ponds with mosquito-eating fish.
— Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, etc.; keep them covered.
— Clean out clogged gutters.
— Eliminate weeds, tall grass, etc.
— Look for things such as tarps, etc., that create unexpected puddles of water.
— Use insect repellent containing DEET.
— Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
A little precaution will make the outdoors more pleasant while possibly averting a tragedy.
What We Think
Mosquitoes: Swatting a growing problem
- What We Think
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New era at the Boys and Girls Club
Next week on June 1, it will be the official end of an era at the Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta when Robert Soper hands over responsibility for the organization to the new Chief Professional Officer Jim Wink.
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Thank you, EMS
We always pull over for them, but we rarely seem to thank them.
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Tornado: An aftermath of help
Seeing the massive path of destruction left in the wake of tornadoes in Oklahoma Monday was a sobering reminder of the power of spring storms.
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Thoughts on graduation
Graduation ceremonies reflect how life marches on. For the students receiving their diplomas and degrees, graduation is a culmination of the majority of their lives’ work.
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To Dr. John Gaston, retiring dean of Valdosta State University’s College of the Arts. For the past 10-plus years, Gaston has worked to build a more interconnected program with various artistic and communications departments working together. Given that you are likely to see one College of the Arts department collaborating with another during events is proof of Gaston’s success.
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On the go this weekend
Take a breath.
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Sharing the roads with motorcycles
With the recent pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, the number of motorcycles on area roads has increased.
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Thank your local law enforcement today
Today, May 15, was designated Peace Officers Memorial Day back in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy was in office.
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Visit musical roots this weekend
Beginning Saturday, May 18, Nashville, Ga., will be hosting a special Smithsonian exhibit, “New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music.” The exhibit will continue through the end of June and Nashville has done a tremendous job in promoting and planning for the exhibit.
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Happy Mother’s Day!
A few years ago, a television commercial asked, Who first believed in you? Many folks may have instinctively answered by simply saying, Mom.
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New era at the Boys and Girls Club
